Fire tears through apartment complex near Tampa; at least 400 displaced

A major fire spread through an apartment complex near Tampa, Florida, displacing an estimated 400 residents and causing parts of the building to collapse, according to fire officials. No civilian injuries have been reported.

The fire began at about 3:10 p.m. on Thursday at Cobalt Apartments on the 3900 block of Jermyn Loop in Wesley Chapel, a Tampa Bay suburb. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire spreading through the roof of the roughly 90-unit building.

Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Ryan Guynn said firefighters went door to door to ensure residents had escaped before shifting their focus to rescue pets. Dozens of dogs and cats have been rescued, and a reunification center has been set up at the apartment complex’s clubhouse.

“We’ve had multiple collapses where the floors have pancaked in on themselves,” Guynn said. “It’s making the operations extremely difficult.” When asked whether the building was a total loss, Guynn said: “It’s too early to say that, but most likely.”

Firefighters made a defensive stop to prevent the flames from spreading to another building. Guynn said the fire remains active and crews are expected to remain at the scene through Friday and possibly into Saturday.

A few firefighters have suffered minor heat-related illnesses, but no serious injuries have been reported.

Authorities are investigating the cause. Residents reported heavy lightning as a storm moved through the area, and Guynn said a lightning strike is possible, but the investigation has not yet begun.

THREE-ALARM FIRE: #PascoCounty Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a commercial structure fire in the 3900 block of Jermyn Loop in Wesley Chapel.

Crews are actively working the scene. Please avoid the area. We will provide updates as they become available. pic.twitter.com/BCQKmc5VjW

— Pasco County Fire Rescue (@PascoFireRescue) August 20, 2026

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Ella Greene

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