At 00:44 hours on May 25, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, in Manatee County, FL was notified of a fire at The Gates of Bradenton Apartments, 4515 26 St W.
Upon arrival at Bld. #4 (2 story-16 units), firefighters were met with heavy fire venting out 2 windows and the door of a first floor apartment. A female fire victim was located and rescued from a bedroom window by Engine Co. 211. She was flown to Tampa General with extensive burns.
The fire extended up the side of the building, into the attic, through the roof, then down into the second floor apartment. Three other occupants of the first floor apartment escaped via the bedroom window prior to the arrival of firefighters. One occupant was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Two Sheriff's deputies sought medical evaluation at the hospital for smoke exposure.
Approximately 25 firefighters with 4 engines, 2 aerials and 1 rescue company fought the fire. The fire was brought under control in approx. 1 hour, although units remained on the scene until 07:00.
The first floor unit was completely destroyed, a second story unit, the attic and the roof sustained heavy damage . Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $200,000.00. The cause of the fire in still under investigation.
Multiple agencies assisted including: Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, West Manatee Fire Rescue, Bradenton Fire Dept., American Red Cross, Manatee Sheriff's Office, Manatee County EMS, Manatee County Animal Control, Manatee County Building Dept. and the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office.
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