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Highlands Today

Fire Destroys Highlands Lake Home, Leaves Couple Homeless

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By Jim  Konkoly | Highlands Today

Published: November 1, 2008

AVON PARK - A husband and wife escaped unharmed but were left homeless Friday night when fire swept through and destroyed their two-story home at 2995 W. Shula Road in the Highlands Lake Fire District.

Firefighters were called out at 8:37 p.m. and arrived to find the home "fully involved in flames," the Highlands Lake Volunteer Fire Department reported.

Don Djokk, 33, and his wife, Mico, 27, along with their four dogs, were outside the home when firefighters arrived. Their three cats, though, were inside the burning home and were rescued by firefighters.

Twenty-two firefighters from the Avon Park, West Sebring and Sun 'n Lake fire departments assisted the Highlands Lake Volunteer Fire Department in fighting the blaze.

Highlands Lake Fire Chief Earl Gray, along with Lt. Ryan Martin and firefighters Jose De Leon and Rachel Louzau, were on the first fire truck to reach the scene and attacked flames around the home's propane tank.

The home was valued at about $200,000 and was "fully destroyed" by the fire, the Highlands Lakes Volunteer Fire Department reported.

The Djokks were reported staying with neighbors after the house fire. The Highlands County Red Cross was at the scene, offering assistance.

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