Station Square Fire Caused by Cigarette, Officials Say

CLEARWATER, FL — A fire that ripped through the Station Square condominiums Tuesday night was caused by a cigarette, according to Clearwater Fire Rescue officials.

A call about the blaze at 628 Cleveland St. came in around 11:21 p.m. Aug. 23, according to the agency. First responders determined the fire originated from a 12th floor unit and were able to get the blaze under control within a matter of minutes, an email from fire rescue stated.

While no injuries were reported, firefighters say the flames did manage to damage a nearby condo before they could be put out. Firefighters also rescued a dog, the email said.

Once the flames were out, officials began investigating the cause. They learned a resident had been smoking on a balcony and attempted to put out a lit cigarette in a plastic water bottle before going to bed.

The two residents of the home where the fire broke out woke up to the sound of a smoke alarm about two hours later, the agency noted.

Damage to the building is estimated at $400,000, officials say.

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