Fire Temporary Setback For Ice Cold Air: Manager

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A Thursday night fire at Ice Cold Air in New Port Richey is nothing more than a temporary setback, store officials say. While the business will need to close for repairs, work isn't expected to take very long with plans already in place for a Monday, July 3 reopening.

According to Pasco County Fire Rescue, its crews responded to the business at 3508 U.S. 19 around 6:30 p.m. June 29. When they arrived, they found smoke coming from the building’s eaves. A quick check of the building revealed the fire was contained to the office. Crews were able to prevent damage from spreading to the shop area.

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No injuries were reported during the fire. Officials say Ice Cold Air was already closed for the day and no workers were inside. The fire was caused by discarded smoking materials, Division Chief Shawn Whited said.

A good Samaritan is getting credit for saving the business from more extensive damage. According to manager Nick Zammit, a person saw light smoke billowing from the building and called for help right away. Zammit issued a statement Friday morning thanking the caller for enabling the blaze to be put out before it reached the shop area where “highly flammable materials like welders and oil” are contained.

No customer vehicles were damaged as a result of the quick actions, Zammit said.

“We are very thankful that the fire wasn’t more devastating and no one was hurt,” Zammit said in the statement. “It could have been so much worse. I wish I knew who called the fire department for us, I owe them a huge hug.”

The shop is expected to reopen on Monday, July 3.

In the meantime, Zammit said his crew will be working with the team at the Ice Cold Air location at 11930 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. The business plans to offer a shuttle service for customers who need it.

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Photos courtesy of Ice Cold Air