TAMPA, Fla. — Those who escaped a burning apartment building Wednesday morning got back in Thursday to move out what they can salvage.
There is help coming from the Red Cross and management at Captiva Club Apartments.
“It’s just a matter of getting everything organized. They are going to help us with the hotel and paying for the truck," said a woman as she packed a U-Haul.
In front of the apartment where a mother and her children died, there are candles, flowers and still questions about how this fire started.
Mother, 2 children killed in two-alarm fire at Town 'n' Country apartment complex
Fire that killed mom, 2 children marks the third fire at same Town 'n' Country apartment complex
Investigators have not released a cause or the names of the victims.
The children were 5 and 10 years old.
The deadly fire was the third in this complex in four years.
But in reports released Thursday, Hillsborough County officials don’t know what caused the fires in 2015 and 2018.
They do say both started in apartment patios. The most recent inspection here was in September.
The county found no violations and noted that all smoke alarms are interconnected inside and outside of the bedrooms.
We also heard from management at Captiva Club Apartments.
They say they are supporting the residents impacted by the fire.
They have also set up a donation center in the office to collect clothing, food and other household items.
Those who are displaced know they are lucky.
“We are going to be fine. We have to give thanks for everything," said a displaced resident.
Captiva Club Apartments released the following statement:
“As of this statement, the Fire Marshal’s office has not released a report on the cause of the fire and the investigation is still ongoing. We have asked the authorities for the expected delivery date of the report, but have not received any official notice as to when the report might be released.
In the meantime, our top priority has been to support the residents impacted by the fire. Our management team has worked to contact all of the residents whose apartments were damaged and has offered them temporary accommodations at other apartment units within the property. A few residents have opted to utilize the available apartments, and others have sought accommodations elsewhere.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community and neighboring residents. Our team has set up a Donation Center in the Leasing Office to collect items such as clothing, non-perishable foods and other household items for affected residents, and the Tampa chapter of the Red Cross is also accepting donations.
This has been a challenging time for everyone, and our team is working around the clock to ensure the safety and comfort of its residents. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”
