Fire Leaves Gulfport Family Homeless

Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic says the 911 call for help came in just before 1 a.m. Wednesday regarding a fire at 4711 Coronado Way.

A husband and wife, in their 50s, their 26-year-old son and two grandchildren were inside. The woman was sleeping in a front bedroom just feet from the garage and heard the crackling of flames.

She woke up, saw a glow coming from the garage and got the rest of the family out of the house safely, according to Marenkovic.

Merenkovic says the fire started in the garage and spread to overhead trees. Because of the fire damage and heavy smoke, the entire house is a "total loss."

He says flames reached as high as 20 feet. In all, Gulfport Fire received help from South Pasadena, Treasure Island and St. Pete Fire & Rescue.

Chief Marenkovic, Detective Randy St. Clair with the State Fire Marshall's Office and Gulfport Fire Investigator Frank Vento are on scene now surveying the damage and looking into the cause of the fire.

Gulfport Fire Investigator Frank Vento says although the fire "looks accidental," the investigation is on going.

Vento adds that the family did not have smoke detectors in the house. He says the Gulfport Fire Department has free smoke detectors at the station for those who need one. Just stop by or call (727) 893-1059 to pick one up.

Fire officials contacted the family on behalf of the media and at this time, they do not wish to talk about the fire.

Marenkovic says family members are helping them stay in North St. Petersburg. In the meantime, firefighters are putting togther a gift basket with a turkey and other Thanksgiving side dishes for the family to pick up this afternoon.

"We're doing what we can," Marenkovic said.