A large fire broke out at a commercial property in South Tampa on Thursday afternoon, sending thick smoke into the sky and prompting a swift response from Hillsborough County firefighters. The blaze began around 2:35 PM at 4106 South 50th Street, with numerous 911 calls alerting authorities to the emergency.

Firefighters arriving on the scene encountered intense flames engulfing the structure. An aggressive firefighting effort was launched, utilizing handlines to combat the core of the fire. Due to the fire’s size and rapid spread, a second alarm was called, bringing additional trucks and personnel to the site.

Crews employed aerial ladders and high-volume master streams to douse the flames from above, successfully containing the fire within an hour. Fortunately, no civilians or firefighters were injured during the incident.

While the fire has been extinguished, its aftermath continues to impact local traffic. Fire crews remain on-site, sifting through debris to identify any lingering hotspots. Consequently, South 50th Street is closed in both directions between Raleigh Street and Port Sutton Road, and officials advise drivers to seek alternative routes.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine how it started.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.