JAY NOLAN/Tribune photo

Video: WFLA Report  | Tribune Photos By MARI ROBYN JONES The Tampa Tribune TAMPA - After firefighters battled a three-alarm fire Monday night, a second fire—slightly bigger—started just a block away in downtown Tampa. About 100 personnel from Tampa Fire Rescue and three dozen workers from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue worked late Monday into today “These guys are going to have a long night ahead of them,” said onlooker Shawn Hurley, 28. This morning’s traffic is not expected to be affected.

The first fire started about 10:35 p.m. in the 1100 block of Franklin Street, near Harrison Street. It sent blackened chunks of debris, embers and smoke throughout downtown, and part of the building’s wall collapsed. A brick wall helped firefighters keep the blaze from spreading to a certified public accounting business next door. Two dozen people from The Residence of Franklin Street condominiums, located around the corner from the fire, were evacuated as a precaution. The second fire in the 900 block of Franklin Street, near Tyler Street, started about 11:20 p.m. as the first fire began to die down. The fire was located near the Marriott Residence Inn, which was not evacuated. Both buildings struck by fire appeared to be vacant, said Capt. Bill Wade, a spokesman for Tampa Fire Rescue. One firefighter was taken to a hospital due to smoke exposure, Wade said. No other injuries were reported. Onlookers gathered outside a Domino’s Pizza store, which was between both fires on Tampa Street. Many said the fire was plainly visible from Interstate 4. The pizza parlor was evacuated, and customer’s pizzas were left sitting inside the shop. Witnesses said they saw the second fire start from the roof, but investigators are looking at all possible causes for both fires. “Everything is on the table,” Wade said. Reporter Mari Robyn Jones can be reached at (813) 259-7638 or mjones@tampatrib.com.

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