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Palm Harbor Crews Fight Early Morning House Fire

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: July 8, 2008

PALM HARBOR -- Palm Harbor firefighters responded to a house fire at 3448 Sutherland Drive, just before 1 a.m. this morning, to find the residence engulfed in heavy smoke and flames.

Linda and Larry Smith's granddaughter awoke the couple after hearing cracking and popping sounds coming from the garage, said Elizabeth Monforti, Palm Harbor Fire spokeswoman.

Larry Smith found the garage engulfed in flames. He called to his wife to call 911, but the house phone did not work, so she had to use her mobile phone, according to the fire department's report.

All three occupants and their dog safely evacuated, she said.

The fire quickly spread from the garage to the house through the attic, Monforti said.

Firefighters started an initial exterior attack on the blaze, which was extinguished by 1:37 a.m.

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Investigator Frank Lowman found the fire originated in the interior of the garage and extended through the roof, but the exact cause could not initially be determined.

There was about $200,000 worth of damage.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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