Early this morning, a significant fire engulfed the Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, causing substantial structural damage and prompting a broad response from local fire departments. The blaze, which escalated to a three-alarm status, was first reported around 5:30 a.m., according to WFLA. Firefighting units, from not only Clearwater Fire Rescue but also neighboring cities such as Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Largo, and Seminole, were deployed to tackle the fire.
All staff and patients present at the time were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported, as confirmed by Clearwater Fire Rescue. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, video footage captured a very large fire rescue presence on the streets around the facility. As firefighters worked to control the situation, they also caused some disruptions to the local traffic, hinting at possible delays and road closures in the vicinity of S. Fort Harrison Ave., specifically between Belleair Road and Woodlawn Ave.
The Fairwinds Treatment Center, situated at 1569 S. Fort Harrison Ave. The center is known for providing individualized care to patients dealing with substance abuse, eating disorders, and mental health issues—offering a range of programs and specializing in dual diagnosis, as reported by WTSP.
The fire, which led to significant structural damage, has prompted an investigation into its cause. Personnel from Clearwater Fire and Rescue as well as the state fire marshal's office are involved in the ongoing investigation. According to abc Action News, no injuries were reported to those inside the center or to firefighters.
