Glue gun sparks day care center fire

TAMPA - Investigators say an early morning fire at a day care center was caused by a glue gun that had been left plugged in.

The fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. Thursday at the St. Matthew Child Development Center on Lake Avenue, crews said. Two workers and two children had just arrived at the building when the fire alarm went off, and they were able to get out safely.

Firefighters say the blaze was kept in check by a fire sprinkler and no one was hurt.

The glue gun was found plugged in and turned on inside one of the center's rooms, fire investigators said. They determined that heat from the glue gun set nearby objects on fire.

The building sustained only moderate smoke and water damage, and the sprinkler limited damage from the flames, according to firefighters. The center is working on making alternate plans for the children who attend while the building is cleaned and repairs are made.

Firefighters have not yet determined a damage cost estimate.