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Highlands Today

Fires Damage Homes On Same Street

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By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: December 1, 2008

SEBRING - Arson was not suspected, although a pair of separate Saturday afternoon fires burned two homes on the same street, within hours of each other.

A family of five is safe at 1610 Rainbow Ave., but their home was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon.

After the fire department arrived at about 1:20 p.m., Sonja Vasquez drove up, crying, holding an infant.

Firemen were still inside her home, using long-handled pikes to pull down the ceiling in the kitchen and living room.

Sebring Fire Chief Brad Batz said the small, three-bedroom, wood-frame house at the corner or Rainbow and Warfield would likely be a total loss. Clearly, neighbors estimated, Vasquez, her husband and three children wouldn't be able to go inside for hours, maybe not until Sunday morning.

The fire started in the kitchen area, but Batz didn't think cooking was the cause.

"They had been gone to Wal-Mart for three hours," the chief said. But the reason may not be electrical either.

"I don't know yet. It's too early to tell. The state fire marshal investigators are in there now," Batz said. Outside, on a neighbor's lawn, Mrs. Vasquez was having trouble breathing. Two medics stood by; in case she needed oxygen or assistance. Another woman held the Vasquez baby while the mother sat in the passenger seat of a mini-van.

"They think maybe candles," said Ismal Lemeus, a next-door neighbor who just moved in a few weeks ago. "That's what she's saying."

Miguel Hilario was cleaning up at home, Sunday, at 1430 Rainbow Ave., the scene of the second blaze, which likely started in the oven.

The Sebring Fire Department was notified of the fire at 4:27 p.m. which was extinguished by 4:43 p.m.

The state fire marshal will investigate both fires because of their locations.

While the first fire burned, a pair of firefighters were called from the scene to another nearby residence, along with local EMTs, to assist a man who broke his arm after a truck tire exploded while he was inflating it.

Highlands Today reporter Bill Rettew Jr. contributed to this story. Gary Pinnell can be reached at gpinnell@highlandstoday.com or 863 386-5828

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