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2 Killed, 1 Injured In Mobile Home Fire

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By MIKE WELLS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

THONOTOSASSA - The state fire marshal division is trying to determine the cause of a fire at a mobile home early Thursday where two bodies were found.

The fire broke out about 2:20 a.m. at 10018 Jefferson Road, near Harney Road, said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesman Raymond Yeakley.

Killed in the blaze was Laurie A. Wilkerson, 45, and an adult male whose name was being withheld until authorities notified his family. Three people were in the mobile home when the fire started.

John E. Wilkerson, 52, told investigators he woke up, roused the other two people and thought they were right behind him when he left the home, Yeakley said.

The survivor told authorities that somehow the back door shut and locked behind him, and he couldn't get back inside. Wilkerson had minor burns on a hand and an arm, Yeakley said.

A neighbor, Bobbi Gable, 38, said her daughter, 17, was awoken by popping sounds and saw the flames. Gable's husband rushed over and was told two people had died.

A motorist and a neighbor called 911. The home was engulfed in flames when fire rescue arrived, and firefighters could not immediately enter the residence, Yeakley said. Once they could go inside, firefighters found the two victims.

Kimberly Heaster, who owns the mobile home, expressed shock at the news.

"My house burned down and two people died?" she said. "Oh, my God."

Editor Howard Altman contributed to this report. Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib .com.

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