A family escaped without injuries while a fire tore through their home near the Gulf Cove area of Charlotte County, rendering the residence unlivable and killing a family pet Tuesday morning.
According to Charlotte County Public Safety, crews arrived at the Thorman Road home around 12:38 a.m. to find flames coming through the roof above the garage.
The homeowners say they were about to go to bed before hearing a loud boom in their garage, they thought someone broke into their home.
"The moment I open the garage door, there's flames everywhere," said Michael Cuoco.
Cuoco quickly tried to put the fire out himself, using a garden hose.
The family was trying to rush to safety, and saving personal items was the last thing on their minds.
The American Red Cross has been contacted to help the displaced family. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. The Englewood Area Fire Control District assisted in responding to the blaze.
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