Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to a fire alarm at the above listed
location at 3:24 a.m. Upon arrival firefighters saw smoke and flames coming
from the rear of the building and the incident was upgraded to a working fire.

Firefighters were alerted by 911 that a woman was trapped inside of her
apartment (#104) and could not get out. Her unit is located adjacent to the
lobby/common area where the fire originated. Firefighters quickly located the
woman, who is wheelchair-bound, and carried her out of a window with a ground
ladder. She and four other patients were transported to a local hospital with
non-life threatening injuries.

Firefighters assisted with the evacuation of several other residents. A total
of 41 residents were evacuated from the building. Due to the cold
temperatures, the residents were transported to a nearby building at 1318
Pierce Street. Sunstar assisted with transporting some residents who needed
assistance.

First-floor residents are not being permitted back into their apartments at
this time, due to fire and smoke damage. All second-, third- and fourth-floor
residents were allowed to return to their homes.

The two-alarm fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. Fifteen fire
units responded, with a total of 60 firefighters. There is no estimate damage
available at this time. The fire is suspicious in nature.

January 14, 2010