TAMPA — A chemical explosion damaged a home on the 4000 block of South Covina Circle in Tampa on Oct. 13, prompting evacuations and responses from multiple agencies, Tampa Fire Rescue said.
Someone inside the single-story house mixed multiple caustic chemicals, causing a reaction that led to a small explosion and damaged the roof, fire officials said.
Firefighters initially responded to a structure fire call but determined the incident was a hazardous materials situation with fumes coming from the home. The department’s hazmat team worked to secure the scene while the Tampa Police Department’s bomb squad assisted.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution until 1 p.m.
Two people requested medical evaluations but declined transport to a hospital, Tampa Fire Rescue said.
The FBI, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations also responded to the scene.