Life is fragile and precious. Each day is a gift to be maximized and treasured, because it could be your last. We all know that, but we tend to forget it until some sobering reminder hits us unaware. Recently, we've taken several direct hits. ...more

March 22, 2009

Local fire officials are sounding an alarm and warning residents about firms looking to dupe them into purchasing costly fire suppression systems they do not need. Palm Harbor Fire Rescue has recently been contacted by several people who have been talked into purchasing expensive hard-wired fire alarm systems, said Liz Monforti, spokeswoman for the community fire department. That is much more protection than a residence would require, she said. ...more

March 14, 2009

Many house fires get out of control because there's no one home to put it out or call for help. ...more

March 6, 2009

As you can see in the photo nearby, from the scene of the explosion Wednesday at a house in Dunedin, humans are not always the only victim in such emergencies. The family dog suffered respiratory injuries in the explosion and needed treatment at the scene. ...more

February 14, 2009

Gov. Steve Beshear, with his state still reeling after last week's deadly ice storm, deployed every one of his Army National Guardsmen on Saturday. ...more

February 1, 2009

Clearwater police are investigating whether carbon monoxide from a gas stove killed an 83-year-old man. ...more

January 26, 2009

An East Tampa house fire that started in the fireplace has prompted local authorities to remind residents to take proper precautions before using a fireplace during cold snaps. This afternoon's fire was at 2904 N. 56th St., at the home of Lewis and Mildred Watson. Lewis Watson had a "big and hot'' fire going in the fireplace when he noticed smoke coming from the attic. ...more

January 20, 2009

Although investigators determined the carbon monoxide deaths of Jules and Parker Baudin were accidental, the boys' parents are assigning blame. ...more

January 8, 2009

The parents of two boys who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2007 are suing a homebuilder and their then-landlord. ...more

January 7, 2009

President Bush got a firsthand look Tuesday at the fury that Hurricane Ike unleashed on the Gulf Coast. He was greeted by a virtual ghost town in Galveston, where Ike made landfall. Bush urged frustrated storm evacuees to keep it that way until local officials say it is safe to return. ...more

September 17, 2008