A dozen people evacuated after Largo apartment fire

LARGO -- A fire early this morning at the Midtown Plaza Apartments forced the evacuation of a dozen people.

Largo Fire Rescue district Chief Brian Brady said fire officials received a call about 3:15 a.m. at the apartments, 575 Clearwater/Largo Road.

Brady said a fire appeared to have started outside one of the apartments and spread through a building overhang to the attic. One section of the building, with five apartments and 12 residents, was evacuated because of structural damage.

No one was injured, but one resident who complained of breathing difficulties was taken to a hospital. The resident did not live in the affected building.

The American Red Cross is helping evacuees find alternate housing, Brady said.

A damage estimate is not yet available.

- Melanie Ave, Times staff writer