Tampa, FL - Firefighters responded this morning to a small fire at the Tampa Convention Center. Due to their quick response they were able to contain the blaze to a backstage area in which the dressing rooms are located. According to Tampa fire chief Hank Curran, "We believe the fire was started by a pair of flaming pants which had been carelessly discarded in VP candidate Paul Ryan's dressing room."
While there were no major injuries, some Convention Center employees are being treated for smoke-inhalation. This is potentially serious as it has been reported that the flaming pants released several highly toxic compounds into the air. Florida's Department of the Environment is investigating. It is anticipated that the fire will have only minor impact on today's planned events.
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