**PHOTO RELEASE** CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Surveys Damage Following Apartment Fire in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis assessed damage following an apartment fire on the 600 Block of Kissimmee Street in Tallahassee near FAMU campus. The CFO’s Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations, in coordination with the Tallahassee Fire Department, arrived on scene to investigate the cause of the fire.
 
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Thank you to the dedicated firefighters with the Tallahassee Fire Department for their quick response following the apartment fire that happened early this morning near the FAMU campus. Their quick action, as well the response from the Tallahassee Police Department, no doubt saved lives. These dedicated first responders worked in coordination to evacuate individuals as quickly as possible. My fire investigators are currently on scene to begin forensic analysis to determine the cause of the fire. These dedicated men and women put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe every day and I can’t thank them enough for their service. Please pray for the families who have been injured or displaced.”
 
The Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. The sworn law enforcement and nonsworn personnel within the Bureau perform functions within the criminal justice system. The core missions of the personnel within the Bureau include detection, investigation, apprehension and prosecution of offenders of arson and explosive related crimes. The Bureau also works to enhance investigations and prosecutions and to deter arson and explosive related crimes through education and training. The Bureau officers are available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to investigate fires and explosion-related incidents.