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One Man Killed, Another Inured In Pinellas Mobile Home Fire

News Channel 8 photo by JIM FARQUHAR

One person died in this early morning mobile home fire in Pinellas.

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TBO.com Staff

Published: February 14, 2009

Updated: 02/14/2009 02:08 pm

An overloaded power strip plugged into another power strip caused a mobile-home fire this morning that killed a man using a wheelchair, authorities said.

Lealman Fire District firefighters responded to the blaze about 7:25 a.m. at the Disston Mobile Home Park, located at 4001 49th Street North, Lot 52.

Firefighters said the victim is in his mid 40s. They have not released his identity because a positive identification has not been made and his family has not been notified.

Officials said Gerald Jordan, 47, who is the victim's roommate, found the mobile home engulfed in flames while returning from the laundry room at the park. He could hear his roommate calling for help.

Jordan sought aid from neighbor Christopher Pecora, 39, who raced through the front door but was unable to help the victim outside before the heat and flames forced him to retreat, officials said.

Pecora was slightly injured during the rescue attempt. He was treated at the scene.

Firefighters said power strips never should be plugged into other power strips because of the danger of overloading electrical circuits. Plug these devices directly into an outlet. Use power strips or surge protectors with the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) seal of approval.

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