Vagrants' candle starts fire in vacant house

TAMPA -- Firefighters put out a fire this morning that was started by an unattended candle used by vagrants in a vacant house, Tampa Fire Rescue reported.

The candle started a fire in a bedroom at 2903 E 28th Ave. in Tampa and caused about $3,000 in damage, Fire Rescue officials said. No injuries were reported.

Investigators say it appears to be an accident. They plan to send a report to the city's Department of Code Enforcement to make the property owner secure the building.

Tampa Fire Rescue responded to the fire just after 7 a.m. with four fire engines and about 25 firefighters. The fire was under control in about 10 minutes, they reported.

-- Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer