Photo by: wfla
Crews spent hours battling a three-alarm fire Tuesday that started at a CVS in St. Pete Beach.
The blaze broke out at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Dolphin Village shopping center on Gulf Boulevard, sending a large plume of black smoke into the air.
Witnesses reported hearing screams as people fled the area after the CVS building became engulfed in flames.
A spokesperson for the city told News Channel 8 there was a partial roof collapse at the CVS and potential smoke damage at neighboring stores.
The fire continued spreading throughout the shopping center Tuesday evening, with the blaze sparking up again shortly after 8 p.m. at a nearby Publix.
St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue officials sent the following statement to 8 On Your Side.
As of Tuesday night, there was no word yet on what started the fire. No injuries were reported.
CVS provided the following statement to News Channel 8:
“We’re grateful to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue for quickly responding to the fire at our Gulf Boulevard store this afternoon. We’re cooperating with investigators as they try to determine the cause and are thankful no one was seriously hurt. The store is closed due to extensive damage. Patients with immediate prescription needs can visit the CVS Pharmacy at 3501 54th Avenue South for assistance.”CVS
Crews from several fire departments responded to the incident.
Gulf Boulevard was shut down later Tuesday night as the fire raged on.
Publix officials sent the following statement to News Channel 8.
“Our store is not open currently and we are following the direction of the local fire department on reopening. We will refer all questions to the local fire and police departments. As always, our priority remains the safety of our associates and customers.”Publix
This is a developing story.
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Source: wfla
