UPDATE:
11/20/2025
3:00 p.m.
In a report from The Red Cross of North and Central Florida, Late Wednesday night, Red Cross volunteers responded to a 24-unit fire at the Social Seminole apartments on Ocala Road, where 72 adults, one infant, and four pets were displaced — including 53 students.
The Red Cross coordinated with property management, the FSU Dean of Students, and an FSU victims advocate. All residents have been provided a safe place to stay, and relocation into vacant units is currently underway.
Support will continue as long as needed for all residents displaced.
11:00 a.m.
We're now learning more information on the massive fire at Social Seminole on Wednesday night.
In a press release, the Tallahassee Fire Department says they received a call just before 10:30 p.m. Once on scene, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming through the three-story apartment. They say several people were trapped inside their apartments, and a second alarm was called for additional personnel.
TFD says two people were rescued from the second floor and that six people were taken to a local hospital for further medical evaluation.
The report says the fire was contained to the building of origin, and firefighters were able to save half of the structure and its units. They say crews conducted a thorough search of the apartments and worked to extinguish remaining hot spots.
TFD says one firefighter sustained minor injuries and that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
TFD says they were assisted by the Tallahassee Police Department, Florida State University Police Department, and Leon County EMS. The American Red Cross responded to provide support and assistance to displaced residents.
11/19/2025
Six people were hospitalized after a fire damaged a student living community in Tallahassee Wednesday night. That's according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
The fire broke out at the Social Seminole, a student living community not far from Florida State's campus. Police say one of the buildings is a total loss, and firefighters are working to put out the flames.
(Video courtesy: Tatiana Jones)
Police say each of the six people sent to the hospital had non-life threatening injuries. They add some were burned and others were hurt after falling.
The American Red Cross is responding and will provide assistance to residents who lost their apartment, according to police.
Josh Cardonas, who lives the complex, told us, "I heard some screams and thought there was like a fight going on. I'm a little nosy so as soon as I open the door, I just see the whole building up in flames." He added, "It went by pretty quick and spread to the next building as well. It's crazy. I'm speechless."
At this point, it's unclear when or how the fire started. We have a reporter on scene working to learn more.
This is a developing story. We will share updates as we receive them.
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