By Douglas R. Clifford, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fire Marshal Richard Brock stands in a duplex at 3091 St. Clair Ave. in Oldsmar after a fire gutted the structure Tuesday. Safety Harbor District Chief Michael Eash said an investigation determined the cause of the fire was a frayed lamp cord.
OLDSMAR — Fire gutted a duplex late Tuesday morning at 3091 St. Clair Ave.
Firefighters responded about 11:30 a.m. to find the interior of Unit B engulfed in flames. Tenant Joseph Trowell, 36, said he was at his job at the Tarpon Springs Housing Authority when he received a frantic call from his wife, Samantha Trowell, 31, who was home watching their 18-month-old son, Joshua Trowell.
"She said the house was on fire and that the whole house was filled with smoke," Trowell said. "All I wanted was for her to make sure the baby was out. He was out, thank God."
Trowell said the baby and his wife were taken to an area hospital for observation since rescue workers were unsure how much smoke the child may have inhaled. But both his wife and son were okay, fire officials said.
Safety Harbor District Chief Michael Eash said investigators determined the fire was an accidental electrical fire caused by a frayed lamp cord and that dwelling and content damages were estimated at $40,000.