his car to alert the sleeping occupants. Another resident was attempting to control the flames with a garden hose. The first 911 call came in at 5:12 a.m. Boca Grande Fire Department arrived at 5:28 a.m. after being misdirected to another, and then another, Gasparilla Road address.

The investigation into the fire’s cause indicates the fire was accidental, according to the report. Saturday morning’s gusting 15-20 mile an hour

winds fed the flames and pushed the fire into the first building. Knowles described the fire "as an animal that seeks hiding places" as it goes deeper into a structure. Boca Grande Fire Department's units and Mutual Aid units from Charlotte County had the fire under control in about two hours. They also prevented the fire from spreading to the building to the north. The second building, to the south, was involved when Engine 1 arrived.

Charlotte and Lee County Red Cross units

also responded and provided the firefighters with cold drinks and snacks. They also conferred with displaced residents and offered them assistance. Fortunately all the residents forced out by the fire were situated within hours in other accommodations.

There were no severe human injuries or fatalities but one resident lost a dear companion animal. Simone, a cat, apparently succumbed to smoke inhalation.