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Mattress Fire Leaves St. Pete Family Without Home

St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue

The fire at 3920 SE Whiting Drive caused about $35,000 in damage, firefighters said.

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Published: August 16, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG – A family of six were sleeping in different beds Saturday night after the home they were renting caught fire in the afternoon.

According to a media release, St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue responded to the house, 3920 SE Whiting Drive, in the Coquina Key area of St. Petersburg at 4:07 p.m. With heavy smoke coming from the home's eaves, the fire was quickly contained in one bedroom, where one of the four children living in the home had used a hair dryer on the mattress which ignited the fire, said the release.

Four children, ages 6, 7, 10 and 13, were home alone during the incident. Two adults and two more children, ages 10 and 14, were not at home during the fire.

There were working fire alarms in the home, and the damage is estimated about $35,000.

Because children are involved in the starting of the fire, St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue automatically referred those involved to the Juvenile Fire Setters Program, which helps reduce the number of fire injuries by providing assistance to children who exhibit fire-setting behavior, the release said.

American Red Cross volunteers are helping the family with emotional support, a temporary hotel stay and the funds to purchase replacement groceries and clothing, said spokeswoman Abi Weaver.

To donate towards this family and for others affected by local disasters, go to www.redcrosstbc.org.

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