3-alarms for Tampa hardware store
Click here for video of the hardware store fire
Pictures, video and story from WTSP-TV:
Tampa Fire and Rescue is on the scene of a 3 alarm fire at Tampa Bay Hardware, 5111 N. Nebraska Avenue. The hardware store is a total loss.
I took 15 firefighting units and more than 50 firefighters about 90 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Fire crews had several challenges; nearby power lines were falling from the heat, there were propane tanks in and around the building which were being threatened by the flames and the fire was threatening to spread to nearby businesses and houses. Directly behind the hardware store is, Sullivan’s Holster Shop, which has been open for more than 75 years. The holster shop is moderately damaged.
There was at least one explosion heard in the rear of the hardware store.
Investigators tell us that the hardware store opened around 1941 and in 1980, 58-year-old Thomas Roberts bought the store.
Fire crews will stay overnight watching for hot spots. Fire investigators will return to the scene Monday morning
No injuries are reported at this time. The Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, they will return to the scene Monday morning to assess the damage.
