The Fresh Kitchen restaurant located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa, led authorities to shut down the road in both directions. Thick plumes of smoke billowed from the popular eatery, as captured in an image shared by Tampa Fire Rescue, as reported by ABC Action News post. Witnesses and nearby residents witnessed the closure which spanned the stretch between West Southview and Stroud avenues as firefighters toiled to extinguish the fire.
Despite the early hours, Tampa police who were on patrol chanced upon the fire shortly after 4:45 a.m. and raised the alarm. The initial single-alarm fire rapidly intensified into a second-alarm blaze, although no injuries have been reported in the incident. As the ordeal unfolded, officials advised residents in the proximity to shelter in place for their safety, a directive reflected in a statement obtained by WTSP.
Vivian Shedd, the public information officer from Tampa Fire Rescue, conveyed that the structure is likely a total loss, but the full extent will be determined upon investigation. This sentiment was echoed in coverage from ABC Action News, which reported that no further details were available at the time. The area around South Howard is set to remain inaccessible to all traffic until fire crews deem the situation under control.
While the immediate cause of the fire has not yet been announced, the response effort by the fire department was quick and contained the blaze to the Fresh Kitchen building. The investigation into what ignited the fire is ongoing, "Tampa Fire Rescue said crews are currently at Fresh Kitchen, located on South Howard Avenue. They are still working to put out the two-alarm structure fire," according to coverage from ABC Action News. The loss of the Fresh Kitchen restaurant is not just a blow to the owners and employees, but a hit to the local community that frequented the establishment for healthy meal alternatives.
