Family Escapes Tampa House Fire But A Dog, 2 Pet Birds Perish

TAMPA, FL — A dog and two pet birds perished but two adults, two children and one dog were able to escape a house fire Monday afternoon.

Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a house fire at 4:45 p.m. in the 700 block of East Humphrey Street in Sulphur Springs and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the carport area on the east side of the single-story masonry home.

Crews immediately began fighting the flames while performing a search to ensure all occupants were out of the home. Crews were able to get the fire under control by 5:30 p.m.

The home sustained severe damage. The American Red Cross was notified to provide assistance to the family.

An investigator from the fire marshal's office is trying to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The fire does not appear suspicious.