Lightning possible cause of 3-alarm business fire

THONOTOSASSA (FOX 13) - Hillsborough firefighters battled a 3-alarm fire at a Thonotosassa business that may have been sparked by lightning.

The blaze broke out around 8:30 p.m. Monday at Lightning RV Supply. Highway 301 was shut down north of Fowler Avenue, so fire crews could battle the blaze.

Things calmed down significantly by 11 p.m. But, firefighters had to be extremely cautious because of what's inside.

Lightning RV Supply stores propane tanks, large and small. When the fire heated up, neighbors could hear the loud booms as the tanks exploded.

Crews fought the flames defensively, meaning firefighters stayed outside the structure for their own safety.

With most of the flames out, the focus shifts to keeping the tanks cool. Crews are pouring a constant stream of water down into the building.

Though the cause of the fire has not been officially named, employees at Lightning RV Supply say they heard a loud crack like lightning before the fire started. They were all able to get out safely before fire trucks arrived.

Despite an intense fire, there were fortunately no injuries.