A three-alarm fire caused extensive damage Sunday morning to the Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater.
The charred structural remains of what used to be part of the facility’s roof were visible from the street.
Aerial footage shows the aftermath of the fire as crews continued to fight hot spots and smoky conditions.
The extensive destruction was devastating to owner N E-Y, who said she built this facility over 30 years ago to help those in the community overcome substance abuse.
“It’s terrible, it’s devastating. I don’t know how this happened,” said E-Y.
Crews were quickly on scene after the initial call came in at 5:11 a.m., but the massive structure fire escalated rapidly.
“When they went into the attic to uphold the ceiling, they noticed a large amount of fire, so they immediately went to a second alarm, which brought up the multiple agencies that are here today,” said Clearwater Fire and Rescue Chief David Kadau.
That’s when concerns grew over the building’s roof. Chief Kadau said they were able to pull their fire units from the area in time.
“The roof did collapse in the center, but we were able to control it to that location. The ends of the building are intact,” said Chief Kadau.
No injuries have been reported. All staff and in-house residential patients were safely evacuated this morning, with concerns now turning to the continuation of the treatment they were receiving at the facility.
“Making sure that they have a place to go and their medicines are supplied and everything is taken care of,” said E-Y.
Chief Kadau said the initial crews on scene reported an industrial sized refridgerator on fire in the kitchen, but the exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Due to the level of damage, state inspectors have been called in to assist in the investigation.
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Source: wfla
