Residents of the Cobalt apartment complex in Wesley Chapel are questioning why fire alarms and sprinklers failed to activate during a blaze that originated in an attic on Thursday afternoon. Firefighters reviewed video from Ring doorbells showing workers and neighbors going door to door to alert residents, as no automatic systems responded to the fire. The 90-unit building has been deemed unsafe for reoccupation, displacing 200 residents who lost their belongings. The fire burned for nearly 25 minutes before firefighters were alerted, causing significant damage and trauma among survivors. While six animals remain unaccounted for, second-floor resident Kyera Gaskin expressed concern about potential casualties if the fire had started later at midnight.
Key Points:
- The fire started in an attic of the Cobalt apartment complex and burned for nearly 25 minutes before firefighters were alerted.
- No fire alarms or sprinklers activated during the blaze despite it being in a building believed to be up to code.
- 200 residents were displaced from the 90-unit building, which is currently unsafe for reoccupation.
- Six animals remain unaccounted for after the fire incident at the apartment complex.
