Dog Alerts Florida Family to Fire That Destroys Home

A pet dog alerted a Middleburg family to their burning home Tuesday morning, saving them but the rest was a total loss.

Clay County Fire Rescue responded with about 20 firefighters about 5 a.m. at 4047 Lightning Lane near Thunder Road. Fire officials said the home was on stilts and was well involved prior to arrival. The three residents had evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Initial investigations point to a potential starting point in a parking area under the house, firefighters said. The family had been charging a lawnmower there.

Fire alarms inside the house would have sounded once flames reached that level, Fire Chief Lorin Mock said, but the family's furry friend is to thank.

"This was so unusual because the fire started underneath," Mock said. "That dog waking up the family was the true hero in this case."

The fire was under control by about 5:30 a.m., but the home, three vehicles and a boat were destroyed.

Northeast Florida's chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the family find a place to stay, Mock said.

Copyright 2012 - The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville

McClatchy-Tribune News Service