Firefighters Battle House Fire in Clearwater
Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department crews were called to a structure fire at 7:26 p.m. at 1515 Lake Ave. S. When they arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the upper portion of the single-family house.
All of the occupants were already out, but some pets remained inside. One cat died in the fire, but another cat was rescued and was treated on scene with use of an oxygen mask before being taken to a local veterinary hospital. Other pets — lizards and snakes — also were saved from the fire.
The house sustained significant damage and the family was displaced. One firefighter was taken to Morton Plant Hospital after suffering a hand injury. Extra crews were called in to fight the blaze because of the intensity of the fire, in addition to the high heat and humidity taking its toll on firefighters.