A devastating fire at the Hermitage Apartments in Valrico has forced residents to find shelter elsewhere just days before Thanksgiving.

Multiple residents are now staying in hotels after the fire ravaged their homes. The blaze erupted over the weekend, leaving all eight units in ruins. A good Samaritan, who was a former Marine, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the residents.

The individual, Dalton Jones, was watching TV in his home across the street when he heard glass shatter. On investigating, he discovered the apartment building engulfed in flames. Displaying remarkable presence of mind, Jones rushed to the scene, alerting residents to evacuate and subsequently called 911.

Resident Lester Garcia recounted his harrowing experience, stating that he awoke to the smell of smoke and discovered that his balcony was on fire. He and his wife managed to escape, however, their three cats tragically did not survive.

Jones’s immediate concern was the safety of the residents. “I just wanted to make sure everybody was okay first and foremost,” he explained. Despite some residents wanting to retrieve belongings, Jones urged them to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that smoke inhalation can be more dangerous than the flames themselves.

Firefighters from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded swiftly to multiple reports of the fire. They arrived within minutes and managed to control the blaze in under an hour. There were no injuries reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jones’s advice to homeowners was clear: “If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your house, get one.” He also suggested having a fire blanket and familiarizing oneself with proper fire safety protocols.

The American Red Cross has intervened, providing temporary accommodation for the displaced residents as they determine their next steps.

The incident has underscored the importance of community resilience and emergency preparedness. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the swift actions of first responders and community members like Dalton Jones prevented further tragedy.

Source: Fox13news

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