3-Alarm Fire Rips Through Tampa’s BiG and Deals Supercenter

TAMPA, FL — A Monday night three-alarm fire at a Tampa discount center was caused by an electrical malfunction, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.

The agency said it received a call about the blaze at the BiG and Deals Supercenter, 4015 E. Hillsborough Ave., around 9:15 p.m. Oct. 17. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the building’s northwest corner.

A second alarm was called on the fire around 9:20 p.m. with the third alarm called at 10:30 p.m. Officials say a number of units, including two aerial units, were required to put out the flames.

All four of the store’s employees working at the time reportedly made it out of the building safely. No injuries were reported.

Fire rescue said its investigation revealed the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the space between the dropped ceiling and the roof. It began in the area above the kitchen.

The blaze caused extensive smoke and fire damage, the agency said. There was also a partial roof collapse. Damage estimates are not yet available.

Photo courtesy of Tampa Fire Rescue