A warehouse in Progress Village turned into a fiery scene Thursday afternoon when two recreational vehicles went up in flames inside the building, sending a thick column of smoke over the neighborhood and drawing a heavy emergency response. Hillsborough County fire crews knocked the blaze down in about 30 minutes, and officials reported no injuries to either firefighters or civilians. Investigators stayed behind as the smoke cleared, cooling hot spots and picking through charred debris to figure out what touched off the fire.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to 6609 S. 78th Street at 4:37 p.m. after several 911 callers reported heavy smoke, and commanders quickly bumped the incident to a second alarm to bring in extra engines and staffing, according to the Tampa Free Press. Firefighters heading inside found two RVs fully involved and worked hose lines to keep the flames from chewing through the rest of the warehouse.
Recent RV fires in Hillsborough County
Thursday’s warehouse fire is the latest in a string of RV and vehicle fires around Hillsborough County. Crews recently contained a storage-unit blaze in Riverview that spread to seven vehicles before it was brought under control, per Tampa Bay 28. In February, a brush fire near Lazydays RV Center destroyed an RV, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Together, the incidents highlight the particular challenges firefighters face when dealing with vehicle fires and stored recreational vehicles.
Fire investigation underway
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's Fire Investigations Unit remained on scene Thursday evening, working through the wreckage to pinpoint the fire's origin and cause, the Tampa Free Press reported. Officials had not yet released information about who occupies the building or whether any hazardous materials were stored inside. Investigators are expected to release their findings once the probe is complete.
Where to find official updates
Residents looking for official updates and safety information can check Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's website and social channels at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. This story will be updated if county officials release additional details.
