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Clearwater, FL - A Thanksgiving Eve apartment fire in Clearwater forced fourteen residents from their homes early Wednesday morning after an electrical malfunction sparked a blaze inside a second-floor unit.
According to Clearwater Fire and Rescue, fire crews were called to the building on North Fort Harrison Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. when heavy smoke was seen coming from the structure.
Officials said the fire began in a bathroom due to an electrical issue involving a ceiling exhaust fan.
One resident was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Firefighters evacuated the building as smoke filled the hallways, and several tenants said they had little time to gather their belongings before escaping.
Resident Jan Brandi said she was alerted when her fiancé warned her that smoke was inside the building.
She described confusion as smoke spread and neighbors gathered outside the property.
Another displaced resident, Bradley Little, said he currently has nowhere to go but is relieved he was not injured.
Clearwater authorities confirmed that fourteen individuals were displaced and that the building was left uninhabitable due to smoke and fire damage.
The property owners, Kesi St Louis and Philip St Louis of Kel Properties LLC, said they are working with the Red Cross to secure temporary housing for displaced tenants.
The owners said they have provided meals, basic necessities, and temporary lodging for some residents and have already relocated four tenants to other units they own.
The owners also said some smoke detectors in the building were found disabled.
They stated they are cooperating with investigators and reviewing safety protocols as the cause remains under evaluation.