At 2:36 a.m. on May 18, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a condominium complex in the 300 block of Park West Drive. Upon arrival on scene, crews found fire on the balcony of one of the suites. An attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 2:57 a.m.
A sole occupant from the suite was evacuated by crews. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental due to the improper disposal of smoking materials. Residents are reminded that butts should be put in a deep and wide metal container filled partway with sand or water. When disposing of butts in the trash, they should always be doused with water first.
Outdoor planters should never be used as ashtrays. Potting soil is a mix of dirt and a number of combustible organic materials such as peat moss, shredded wood and minerals. When a butt is put into a planter, it can smolder for several hours. Once the container heats up, it can crack, giving the smoldering material oxygen and the opportunity to spread to other combustibles such as decks, balconies, walls, etc.