Major fire burns up 12 units at Bradenton apartment complex. ‘I’m in shock.’

A large fire broke out across the top of an apartment complex in Bradenton on Wednesday, sending smoke rising over the Manatee River.

The fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. at the VIEW Carlton Arms Apartments.

By the time firefighters arrived, the flames were through the roof, Bradenton Fire Chief Tim Geer said. It took crews about an hour and a half to bring it under control.

The fire affected 12 units that were occupied by 14 residents. One resident was still not accounted for as of Wednesday evening, Geer said.

“That’s why we’re doing a little bit better job going through this one apartment to make sure all of folks are accounted for.”

All of the other residents were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. A cat also was rescued from the building after it had been evacuated.

“When a fire burns up high in an attic space, it’s better odds for survival for anyone below,” Geer said.

Greer said damages are estimated at about $2 million. Most of the top floor units were expected to be deemed a total loss, while the bottom floor units could have significant water damage.

“I’m in shock. I was sleeping in that room not even fours ago,” said Chrisa Rybicki, who has lived in a top floor corner unit for a little less than a year.

The registered nurse was asleep after her night shift at Braden River Rehabilitation Center. A neighbor woke her up in time to get safely out of the building with her dogs, Maverick and Chalupa.

Rybicki was not yet sure where she would spend the night, but said she was receiving help from Red Cross representatives.

Neighbors gathered to watch as fire crews brought the fire fully under control.

The investigation was expected to continue into the night.

“Operationally I think everyone went as well as it could,” Geer said. “Unfortunately when the roof trusses are compromised on any building, we can only do so much.”

A K-9 dog also was used to check the building for accelerants.

The State Fire Marshal’s office was on scene investigating the cause of the fire. No details were immediately available.

There were strong winds across Manatee County on Wednesday ahead of a cold front and storms.

A separate fire was reported Monday at Carlton Arms Apartments after a kitchen fire caused heavy smoke inside one apartment on Colonial Circle, the fire department had reported.

Geer said there was no relation to a kitchen fire in the complex on Monday.

Bradenton Herald reports are on the scene and this story will update with more information.

This story was originally published January 4, 2023 at 5:38 PM.