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Tampa woman accused of setting apartment fire that displaced families

 
Blair
Blair
Published July 4, 2014

TAMPA — A 19-year-old Tampa woman has been arrested on a charge that she ignited a fire that engulfed multiple apartment units and left several families displaced.

Around 11 p.m. May 28, Imani K. Blair smashed a window of Unit 201 at 307 Oak Rose Lane and crawled inside the empty apartment, according to a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue report.

Minutes later, the report said, she was seen running out the front door with a fire breaking out inside. Heavy smoke poured from the windows and flames shot out of the second-story roof.

No one was injured, but 12 units were destroyed and the American Red Cross arrived on scene to help dislocated families.

When investigators captured Blair, who does not live at the complex, they said they found a cigarette lighter in her possession. According to the report, she was seen arguing with the lessee of Unit 201 beforehand.

Blair was being held Thursday at Hillsborough County Jail on $50,000 bail. A warrant was obtained for her arrest June 14.