1 Injured in New Tampa Apartment Fire

A 45-year-old man was taken to Florida Hospital of Wesley Chapel after a fire broke out in his apartment at Heritage Pines early Wednesday morning.

According to Tampa Fire Rescue, units were dispatched Wednesday, June 5, at 1 a.m. to the complex, which is located in the Cross Creek section of New Tampa.

“Tampa Fire Rescue units arrived on scene within six minutes to find the building being evacuated with the audible fire alarm,” the release states.

The man whose apartment the fire originated in suffered a burn to his hand and smoke inhalation, according to the release. His name is not available.

The fire caused $30,000 worth of damage, fire rescue officials said in the release.

Fire Rescue Investigator Mike Zurla determined the fire to be accidental, according to the release. The Tampa Fire Marshall’s Office has determined the fire was cause by combustibles too close to heated cooking utensils.

“The Red Cross will be assisting two other adult residents of the home with temporary housing,” the release states.

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