Apartment Fire Near FSU Sends Six to Hospital; One Firefighter Injured

A late-night apartment fire at a student housing complex near Florida State University sent six residents and one firefighter to the hospital Wednesday night, according to the Tallahassee Fire Department. The blaze, which broke out around 10:30 p.m., erupted at Social Seminole — a popular student living community located just a mile from FSU’s main campus.

Fire crews responded to reports of flames in the 2800 block of Ocala Road, where they encountered a three-story apartment building engulfed in heavy smoke and fire. Multiple residents were trapped inside their units, and the fire was spreading rapidly.

A resident described the terrifying scene:

“I heard some screams and thought there was a fight going on,” said resident Josh Cardonas. “When I opened the door, I just saw the whole building up in flames. It spread so quickly. I’m speechless.”

Because of the severity of the fire and reports of people trapped inside, a second alarm was issued, prompting additional units to respond.

Firefighters immediately launched rescue operations:

• Two people were rescued from the second floor.
• Six residents were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
• One firefighter suffered minor injuries but is expected to recover.

Several surrounding apartment buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Fire crews used multiple suppression units and aerial trucks to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further. Despite the intensity, firefighters were able to save approximately half of the building’s structure.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Student housing communities near major campuses — including FSU — often face higher fire risks due to:

• Dense populations and shared walls
• Old or outdated electrical systems
• Heavy appliance usage
• Overloaded outlets or power strips
• Cooking-related accidents
• Cluttered hallways that hinder evacuation

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment, electrical failures, and smoking materials are among the leading causes of residential fires.

Legal Rights After an Apartment Fire Injury in Florida

When an apartment fire occurs, liability may fall on several different parties. Injured residents may have the right to pursue claims for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property loss.

Potentially Liable Parties Include:

1. Property Owners or Management Companies

Landlords can be held responsible if they failed to:

• Maintain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
• Provide adequate fire exits
• Fix faulty wiring or electrical hazards
• Comply with fire codes and inspection requirements
• Address known safety complaints

Under Florida law, landlords must keep premises in reasonably safe condition and perform repairs affecting safety.

2. Maintenance Contractors

If third-party contractors performed electrical or structural work improperly, they may share liability.

3. Product Manufacturers

Defective appliances — such as stoves, heaters, air conditioners, or power strips — can cause fires. Manufacturers or distributors may be liable under product liability law.

4. Negligent Tenants

In some cases, a fire may be caused by the actions of another resident, such as:

• Unattended cooking
• Improper candle use
• Smoking
• Misuse of electrical equipment

Victims can pursue compensation through personal injury or property damage claim.

What Fire Victims Should Do After an Apartment Fire

If you were injured or displaced in a residential fire, take the following steps:

• Seek medical treatment immediately
• Document your injuries and property damage
• Take photos or video of the scene if possible
• Save damaged items for inspection
• Request fire reports from TFD and building management
• Avoid signing anything from the property owner’s insurance company before speaking to an attorney

Because critical evidence can disappear quickly — especially after fire cleanup — early legal involvement is essential.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of apartment fires throughout Florida, including those injured in student housing communities.

Our team independently investigates fire scenes, works with fire experts and engineers, and handles all communication with insurance companies to help victims secure full and fair compensation.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• Bilingual support
• No upfront fees — we only get paid if we win

If you or a loved one was injured in the Social Seminole apartment fire near FSU, or any residential fire in Florida, contact us today to understand your legal rights and options.