Electrical Problem Sparks Small Fire in Post Office Awning

Tampa Fire Rescue crews responded to a small fire Saturday at the Sulphur Springs Post Office, 6706 N. Nebraska Ave., at about 9:45 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the front of the building. The office was open and all employees and customers were safely outside, Capt. Bill Wade said in a news release.

Fire crews discovered the source of the smoke was smoldering beam in the awning on the front of the building.  The situation was under control in about 30 minutes and no injuries were reported, Wade said.

"A contractor has been working on the building. It appears an electrical problem caused an electrical short that caused the wood to smolder in the awning, Wade said, adding that damages are estimated to be about $12,000.

"Most of the damage was to the awning and the front wall," he said. "Inside the building, there was minimal damage and no mail was reported damaged."

Wade said he did not see any damage that would impede delivery of the mail or that could prevent the office from being open on Monday.