Faulty HVAC unit prompts firefighter response at Cypress Trace Plaza in Villas

South Trail firefighters responded to Cypress Trace Plaza in Villas on Tuesday after reports of smoke coming through air conditioning vents.

According to the South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue Service District, crews responded to Cypress Trace Plaza after a business called 911 and reported smoke coming through its air conditioning vents.

Firefighters were able to confirm that there was no active fire. Crews inspected the rooftop HVAC and found a malfunctioning air handler that had produced the smoke, South Trail Fire said.

Power to the unit was turned off, and property management crews were notified. Crews then used ventilation fans to clear the smoke from the building.

South Trail Fire said the incident is a reminder that smoke should always be treated as a potential emergency, and that anyone who smells or sees smoke should call 911.