Residents Jump From Balcony To Escape St. Pete Duplex Fire

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Residents were forced to jump off a second-floor balcony to escape a fire that engulfed a St. Petersburg duplex during the early-morning hours of Wednesday, Oct. 17.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue officials said neighbors noticed an orange glow from the duplex at 950 12th St. N. at around 1 a.m. and realized the building was on fire. They were were able to wake the residents of the duplex but the renter living on the first floor and the owners, a couple who lived on the second floor, were unable to escape because the fire was blocking the front door.

So they headed to the second floor and jumped from a balcony. However, they had to leave behind a dog.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had spread quickly through the wood-frame house and flames were shooting out of the roof. Firefighters were able to save the dog but the duplex was destroyed.

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

File photo St. Pete Fire Rescue

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