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Young Girl Burned In Clearwater House Fire

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By CARLOS MONCADA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2008

Updated: 02/23/2008 11:01 am

CLEARWATER - A 10-year-old girl was critically burned in a house fire early this morning, said public safety spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly-Watts.

Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel transported the girl to Tampa General Hospital, Daly-Watts said. She had no information on the girl's condition, but broadcast reports from the scene said the girl's aunt estimated that she suffered burns to more than half of her body.

As many as 14 people, including 10 children, were living in the 960-square-foot frame house at 916 Eldridge St. and escaped after a smoke alarm went off, Daly-Watts said. Seven were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Two juveniles were taken to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater with minor injuries, Daly-Watts said. She said their names and medical information will not be released, citing privacy laws.

Investigators said the 12:15 a.m. fire started in a rear bedroom of the home and has been ruled accidental. It caused about $55,000 damage to the structure and contents, Daly-Watts said.

The home's owner, Bernard Adragna, lives in Palm Harbor and rents the house to Lester Nelson, 57, according to Daly-Watts and Pinellas County property records. Records show Adragna purchased the 1925 house in the North Greenwood neighborhood for $20,000 in 1997.

About 25 firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 10 minutes.

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