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Pets, Humans Rescued From Blaze

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 28, 2008

TAMPA - TAMPA - Firefighters rescued four cats, a dog and two birds from a burning house in Old Seminole Heights on Friday.
Rescue crews scooped the animals out of the smoke inside 1314 E. Sligh Ave. shortly after 1:22 p.m., Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said.

"The cats especially were less than enthusiastic about what was going on," Wade said, noting that the firefighters' gear was thick enough to protect against the animals' bites and claws.

There were no serious injuries to the human residents, although some birds died in the blaze, Wade said. Homeowner Ralph Philtot, 56, was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital to be treated for mild smoke inhalation, he said.

The fire began after Philtot fell asleep in the house while smoking and ignited a chair, Wade said. Philtot and his son, Dana, 24, tried unsuccessfully to extinguish the flames.

Dana Philtot and his sister, Regina, 27, escaped, thinking Ralph Philtot was behind them, but he collapsed on the porch, Wade said.

Passing motorists Miranda Angell, 24, and Michael Cuenca, 25, helped Ralph Philtot to safety just as firefighters arrived, Wade said.

"Thank God they took over from there," Cuenca said. "We just brought him outside and everybody, thank God, came out alive. Everybody's safe, the animals are OK. It's just damage on the house."

The fire was under control in about 20 minutes and caused more than $50,000 in damage to the house.

The American Red Cross and Hillsborough County Animal Services were at the house to offer shelter to the family and their pets, Wade said.

News Channel 8 photographer Peter Masa and Tribune reporter Josh Poltilove contributed to this report. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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