Fire Destroys 5 Florida Homes

May 31, 2007
Flames and smoke could still be seen Thursday morning.

WEBSTER, Fla. --

Five homes in Sumter County were destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening.

It happened in Webster around 9:30 p.m., WESH 2 News reported.

Flames and smoke could still be seen in the debris after sunrise on Thursday morning.

"Everything we own, everything was in there in this place. This was my husband's dream. He built this and to look at him now. He lost everything. That's what really hurts," said fire victim Tonya Everett.

Officials said the homes involved were a combination of mobile homes and shacks occupied by migrant families.

Firefighters said once the fire ignited, the flames moved quickly and destroyed the homes in a matter of minutes.

An investigator with the State Fire Marshal's Office began surveying the scene at first light on Thursday. The investigator said they believe an overloaded extension cord sparked the blaze.

The families were given shelter by the Red Cross Wednesday night, but said they question their future.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Amanda Ober.

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