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Fireworks believed to have caused 2 Florida house fires

FISHHAWK, Fla. — Officials believe that fireworks caused two different house fires in Florida on the Fourth of July.

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WTVT said on Monday evening that the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire around 9:47 a.m. after the homeowner called to report a garage fire that was quickly spreading in their house in Fishhawk.

According to HCFR, crews arrived and found heavy smoke and flames. A defensive attack was put into motion. HCFR said aerial access was difficult, as well as access to the back of the home.

The homeowners reported that one of three dogs was missing for a few hours but ultimately, there were no injuries to anyone at the home or any of the fire crews, according to HCFR.

The cause of the fire is believed to be related to fireworks. The occupant disposed of used fireworks believed to be out in a cardboard box in the garage, failing to extinguish them with water. Investigators believe the heat of the fireworks started the fire in the box, which rapidly spread throughout the garage and the home,” said HCFR.

According to WTSP, another house fire broke out about 30 minutes later in Sarasota County. Fire crews worked for hours to put the fire out and called in the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to assist. There were no injuries to anyone in the home or fire crews.

SCSO told WTSP that the cause of that fire is under investigation. However, they believe fireworks may have been the cause.