Panama City Beach Storage Fire Linked to Tenant

Panama City Beach Storage Fire Tied to Improper Use

Panama City Beach, FL — A major fire broke out at an iStorage self-storage facility on December 30, destroying around 24 storage units and prompting a multi-department emergency response. Officials now believe the blaze was likely caused by a tenant living inside their unit and using a space heater, a practice strictly prohibited in storage facilities.

Blaze Erupts Early Morning

The fire was reported at approximately 8:00 a.m. at the iStorage location on 1814 Summer Oak Court in Panama City Beach, Florida. First responders arrived to find flames and thick black smoke billowing from one of the storage buildings, which had partially collapsed due to the intensity of the blaze.

Nearby roadways, including portions of Learning Lane and Summer Oaks Court, were temporarily closed to ensure public safety while crews battled the fire.

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Rapid Response by Multiple Fire Agencies

In total, five fire agencies assisted in extinguishing the fire. Teams from Bay County Fire Rescue, Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, Panama City Fire Rescue, and NSA Panama City Fire and Emergency Services worked together to contain and ultimately put out the fire in about 35 minutes. Their coordinated efforts helped prevent the flames from spreading further and limited damage beyond the initial structure.

Suspected Cause Under Investigation

Preliminary information from investigators suggests that the fire likely started due to unsafe living conditions within a storage unit. Storage units are designed for belongings — not habitation — and lack proper safety systems found in residential spaces.

The suspected tenant was reportedly using a space heater, which may have ignited the blaze. Authorities continue to investigate to confirm the exact cause, but early signs point to misuse of the storage space.

About the Facility

iStorage is a national self-storage brand operating more than 300 facilities across the United States. It functions under National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA), a real estate investment trust that owns and manages storage properties nationwide.