A fire broke out early Saturday inside a nail salon business in Tampa.
According to a report issued by Tampa Fire Rescue crews responded to a call in the 2200 block of West Waters Ave. just before 3 a.m. A caller reported seeing smoke emitting from the strip mall.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered smoke coming from the roof on the eastern end of the commercial structure. An initial investigation revealed the fire’s origin was a the L.A Nail Supply and the fire started in the attic.
Crews battled the blaze with water and foam – the business contained flammable materials – until it was contained just after 6:15 am. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Ricardo Webb, owner of the Blue Island Jamaican Restaurant, was cooking a few doors down from the nail supply early Saturday morning.
"Catering orders for Christmas. But I'm out of business right now."
TFD says acetone was in the air. It was likely burning from the nail salon where they believe it sparked. As daylight hit the aftermath become brutally clear. Javiela Mejia Cruz burst into tears. She was on her way to work when she realized work was no longer there.
"It's shocking seeing this," said the employee who worked at Yummy House Chinese Cuisine, "I walk every day past this. Every day I work here. It's painful to see this."
This holiday season worry and uncertainty is following those who work there.
"I was thinking about my customers," said Webb, "I got to do this to take care of them and that's gone right now."
No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
