Arson Blamed In Thonotosassa Mosque Fire

THONOTOSASSA, FL — A Friday morning blaze at the Islamic Society of New Tampa has been blamed on arson with a $5,000 reward for information now being offered.

According to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, its crews received an alarm call around 2:10 a.m. Feb. 24. When they arrived at the 15830 Morris Bridge Road mosque, the fire, which was outside the main building, was almost out.

Investigators announced just before 10 a.m. Friday that the fire had been ruled an arson.

Shortly after the small fire broke out, rumors were spread that gunshots had been fired into the mosque, as well. “Those rumors are false,” Corey Dierdorff, fire rescue’s spokesman told Patch Friday morning.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. An estimate of damages is not yet available.

Anyone with information about who set the fire is asked to call fire rescue investigators at 1-877-662-7766.

Hassan Shibly of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida announced via Twitter that his organization is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

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