Tuesday, September 14, 2010
State Fire Marshal investigators work the scene of a fire that ripped through the Suncoast Mattress Depot in Spring Hill
on Monday night. The rest of the building was badly damaged as well. Authorities say they suspect arson.
The State Fire Marshal's office is investigating a fire that ripped through a Spring Hill mattress shop Monday, causing nearly $1 million in damages.
Detective Stacy McIntyre said authorities received report of the blaze at Suncoast Mattress Depot about 6:40 p.m.
The 3,000-square foot store, which has operated at 11021 Spring Hill Drive for 20 years, was nearly destroyed.
"There were about a half a dozen fire trucks here by the time I got here," store owner Joe Simone said. "There's no stopping mattresses once they go up. I'm just glad nobody got hurt."
Authorities consider the cause of the fire to be arson.
McIntyre said anyone with information about the blaze should contact Detective St. Clair at the Fire Marshal's office at (813) 972-9604. They are also encouraged to call the arson tip line at (877) NO-ARSON.
Anyone with information leading to the arrest or conviction of a suspect is eligible for a reward of up to $20,000.
Joel Anderson and Will Vragovic, Times staff