On August 26, 2009 at 1223 hrs TFR units responded to a fire at the Albany Apartments, 511 S Albany Avenue in the SoHo area. On scene at 1228 hrs fire crews reported smoke coming from the older two-story apartment building. Fire crews had to tear down some of the ceiling to gain access to a smoldering fire in the attic area above one of the second floor apartments. Fortunately crews stopped the fire from destroying the apartment and the building. It took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

Investigators with the Tampa Fire Marshals Office determined the fire began in the attic area above an apartment on the second floor, apartment number 8. The fire appears to be caused by an electrical problem. Apartment 8 was moderately damaged with loss estimates not yet available. There was some minor smoke and water damage in a couple of other apartments.

TFR responded to this 2-alarm fire with 6 fire engines, 2 ladder trucks, 2 rescue cars and a couple of chief officers. An estimated 36 responders were on scene from fire stations in Downtown, West Tampa, Palma Ceia, South of Gandy, Westshore and Hyde Park.