June 25th 1998

On Thursday the 25th of June 1998 @ 01:55 am the Pasco County Enhanced 911 center received a call for a reported commercial structure fire. Pasco County fire Engine 11 arrived first at scene 6 minutes after the call was received. Engine 11 reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof/attic area of the Leisure Beach Restaurant.

   
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The structure was a multi-business building comprised of a restaurant, a laundromat and a hair salon. Lt.11 reported the building was vacated and flames were spreading to the roof/attic area over the laundomat. A full size up was performed and an attack line was deployed.

Upon arrival of additional units a second line was pulled and an aggressive interior attack commenced. Incident command then was established. After approx. 7 minutes of interior attack Command determined the integrity of the building was comprimised due to the extent of the fire and ordered all crews out. An exterior attack ensued with the setup of 2 masterstreams. A second alarm was called and also a special call for an elevated stream.

The incident was mitigated in under 5 hours with an additional 2 hours of overhaul and mopup. A total of seven engine companies, four rescue units, one ladder company and four support vehicles were utilized with 34 personnel including mutual-aid.