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Highlands Today

Fire Destroys Lake Placid House

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By MARC VALERO | Highlands Today

Published: September 13, 2007

LAKE PLACID — Noise from an early morning fire roused a Lake Placid couple from their sleep, enabling them to escape from their home unharmed.

The fire started around 3 a.m. Monday in the attic above the garage area of the house at 1584 Buck St. in Sylvan Shores, Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department Chief Adam Hess said Wednesday. "We were able to contain it to one-half side of the house."

Jerald and Frances Thornton awoke to some noise and smelled the smoke, Hess said. They escaped unharmed.

The Thorntons own and operate Lake Placid Upholstery.

Frances said Wednesday that she and her husband were fine, but they also lost two cars in the fire.

Hess said the cause of the blaze is undetermined, but it was likely electrical in origin and started in the attic, he said.

The state Fire Marshal's Office was notified, but according to new procedures, that agency does not conduct an investigation unless there is a death or suspicion of arson, Hess said. They leave it up to the homeowner's insurance company to investigate the cause.

Highlands Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers went to the home and provided the couple with comfort kits (hygiene kits) and two surplus "Ride for the Red" T-shirts to sleep in.

Meanwhile, neighbors have provided the couple with a fifth-wheel trailer for temporary shelter.

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