About 60-70 residents of Top of the World were forced to evacuate their homes on Christmas Eve. It’s unclear how many residents will be displaced by the blaze.

CLEARWATER – As many as nine to 12 condominiums may be uninhabitable after a blaze broke out at Top of the World on Thursday (Dec. 24) afternoon.

No residents were injured, but one firefighter had to be treated at the scene, according to Clearwater public safety officials. The above-normal heat and stifling humidity also took a toll on firefighters battling the blaze.

The fire broke out about 2:55 p.m. at 2021 Australia Way W in Top of the World in the American Colonial building, fire officials said. It began in the kitchen of a first-floor end unit and then spread upward into the second and third stories through the walls.In addition to Clearwater firefighters, fire personnel from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Dunedin and Largo also responded to the three-alarm blaze.

About 60 to 70 residents were evacuated from the building.It is unclear when, or if, they will be able to return. Fire officials said as many as nine to 12 units may be uninhabitable following the fire.

Displaced residents were taken to the clubhouse at the complex and the Red Cross was called in. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority sent a bus to help with transportation needs. Management of Top of the World is working with the Red Cross to provide those residents temporary shelter.

Top of the World is a condominium complex for ages 55 and older. For information about Top of the World Clearwater, go to otowclearwaterinfo.com.

For information about Clearwater Fire Rescue, go to myclearwater.com.

Clearwater | Clearwater Fire | Top of the World | Condominium Fire | TB Reporter

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