TAMPA, Florida – Firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue battled a intense two-alarm fire overnight at a vacant building on West Kennedy Boulevard, once home to the popular dog-friendly sports bar Pups Pub. The structure, which has sat empty since its closure in June due to financial difficulties, was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived, but the blaze was contained without any reported injuries. The fire broke out late Wednesday evening, prompting a swift response from emergency services. [caption id="attachment_9633" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Tampa Fire Rescue's post details a 2-alarm fire at a vacant West Kennedy Boulevard building, formerly Pups Pub—a dog-friendly sports bar closed since June 2025. Credit: Tampa Fire Rescue[/caption] Dramatic photos shared by Tampa Fire Rescue showed firefighters scaling ladders to douse the inferno, with thick smoke billowing from the building's facade, which still bore the bar's iconic cartoon pug mural. [caption id="attachment_9632" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Tampa Fire Rescue's post details a 2-alarm fire at a vacant West Kennedy Boulevard building, formerly Pups Pub—a dog-friendly sports bar closed since June 2025. Credit: Tampa Fire Rescue[/caption] According to official updates, the fire escalated quickly, requiring additional resources to bring it under control. Crews worked through the night on salvage and overhaul operations, directing streams of water into the charred ruins to prevent re-ignition. As a precautionary measure, West Kennedy Boulevard remains closed between Albany and Howard Avenues, with motorists advised to seek alternate routes.