Hillsborough County Fire Rescue authorities said the fire at Cordova Apartments Homes was caused by an electrical failure of air conditioning units.

  • Fire reported at 6:05 p.m.
  • Residents evacuated from 3 adjoining buildings
  • Fire under control in 1 1/2 hours

Officials said reports of the fire at the apartment complex in the 12700 block of University Club Drive began coming in at approximately 6:05 p.m. When firefighters arrived on scene they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from one of the apartments.

Residents from three adjoining buildings were evacuated as crews fought the fire. At one point, aerial operations were utilized in order to knock down the flames.

Once the fire was put out, investigators determined that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature, and started in the area of the building's air conditioning units.

Several families were displaced by the fire. Officials said eight units were destroyed, while three surrounding buildings were damaged.

The apartment complex was the scene of a fire in December, 2016 that displaced over two dozen residents. The occurrence of two fires within months of each other had residents worried.

“I think it’s time to say goodbye," said Leonard Graham, whose mother lost her apartment in Friday's fire. "The first fire was a little nerve-wrecking. It was two buildings over from her. Now this one -- it’s like, it’s a little suspicious but it is what it is."

“Twice in a row within a six month period?" said resident Theresa Jackson. "That’s kind of scary."

As they did for victims of the December fire, the Red Cross is helping families displaced by Friday's fire.

 

 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.