Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Longboat Key Townhomes

Dozens of firefighters battle blaze that started in a townhome and spread to a neighboring unit.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A three-alarm fire broke out on Monday morning in a townhome community on Longboat Key, Florida, destroying two units. The fire started just before 10 a.m. and required 24 units from multiple fire departments to respond. A cleaning lady who was inside one of the townhomes alerted authorities to the blaze, which was fueled by strong winds. The fire caused heavy damage to both structures, leaving them completely destroyed.

Why it matters

This fire is the latest in a series of challenges for the Longboat Key community, which was still recovering from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene over a year ago. The rapid spread of the fire and the extensive damage it caused highlights the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness, especially in densely populated residential areas.

The details

The fire started in one of the townhomes and quickly spread to a neighboring unit due to strong winds in the area. A cleaning lady who was inside one of the townhomes noticed the fire and called 911, alerting authorities. Firefighters from Longboat Key, West Manatee Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock, and Sarasota County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and spent about two hours battling the blaze. They had to use aerial apparatus to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the structures, which suffered heavy damage and were ultimately destroyed.

  • The fire started just before 10 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Firefighters spent about two hours putting out the fire.

The players

Dawn Sensabaugh

The HOA president for the community and a neighbor who lives just two houses down from the affected townhomes.

Paul Dezzi

The chief of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue department, who said the quick action of the cleaning lady helped get firefighters to the scene quickly.

Vic Marks

A neighbor who was out walking his dog and noticed the smoke and fire response.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was a ton of smoke coming out of the house on both sides. It started on the west side and moved on to the east side.”

— Dawn Sensabaugh, HOA president (fox13news.com)

“She noticed there was some fire in the wall behind an outlet and then that's when we got the phone call from 911.”

— Paul Dezzi, Fire chief (fox13news.com)

“There was a fire truck right in the entrance, and somebody was up on the roof, and there was smoke going out of it, which looked out the top floor or the eaves, we couldn't see any flames.”

— Vic Marks, Neighbor (fox13news.com)

What’s next

The State Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to investigate and determine the cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This devastating fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness, especially in densely populated residential areas. The rapid spread of the flames and the extensive damage caused highlight the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect homes and communities from such disasters.