WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Pasco County Fire Rescue said nearly 100 apartments were destroyed after a fire at an apartment complex in Wesley Chapel on Thursday.
Firefighters responded to Cobalt Apartments off Wesley Chapel Blvd. around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday.
"There's nothing there, probably nothing left in my apartment," said Cynthia Mendoza, a resident.
On Friday, PCFR investigators reported the building was a total loss while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials with Cobalt Apartments said approximately 200 residents are displaced. They are currently accepting donations for displaced residents.
WATCH: Fire destroys nearly 100 apartments at complex in Wesley Chapel
"It was dark. There were a lot of dark clouds and then the lightning struck, it was really loud and then it was over. It started raining when I was picking my son up from school," she said.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said a lightning strike may have started the fire, but Pasco County Fire Rescue said the cause is still under investigation.
Fire Chief Ryan Guynn with Pasco County Fire Rescue said portions of the building collapsed.
"It’s difficult especially when the fire is up high and when we start adding all that water and all that extra weight, that’s one of our major concerns is that with the wood frame structure there’s only so much load that can handle and they start collapsing as we’ve seen in this building here," said Fire Chief Guynn.
Firefighters cleared the buildings and said no one was injured, but some pets may be missing.
"We have a reunification area up at the front clubhouse where residents can give us their their names, their telephone numbers, let us know if they do have any animals that are still missing or any pertinent belongings that they absolutely need out of the building and at such a time, we can go back inside we'll do our best to get those for them," said Fire Chief Ryan Guynn with Pasco County Fire Rescue.
Pasco County Fire Rescue said the fire destroyed 90 units and displaced an estimated 400 residents. Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said both state and local authorities are also helping displaced residents.
As of Friday morning, the American Red Cross said it is continuing to assist displaced residents after the fire. The organization is using the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter to offer a safe place for residents to stay.
The Red Cross said five residents and two dogs stayed there overnight, and it will be open throughout Friday, as needed.
Daniel Trask lives in the apartment building next to where the fire started.
"I just feel awful. I mean anybody that’s going to have to deal with it cause, you know, not only do you lose everything, but then you’re spending the next six months trying to recover everything and figure out where you’re going to stay, where you're going to live and have to rebuy all your stuff, said Daniel Trask.
The Fasano Shelter is located at 11611 Denton Ave in Hudson.
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