A Cape Coral family is safe but without a home after a fire tore through their residence on Memorial Day afternoon, leaving behind extensive damage and unanswered questions.
"I’m just thankful to be alive," the homeowner told Gulf Coast News.
Firefighters with the Cape Coral Fire Department responded to the blaze alongside Cape Coral Police after reports of smoke and flames coming from the home on Northeast Third Place. A large hole in the roof was visible from the street as crews worked to assess the damage.
The homeowner said he was watching TV with his family when he began receiving phone calls and heard banging at the door. Neighbors were urgently trying to alert them that the house was on fire.
We spoke to the man who called 911. He said he was tearing up when he saw the flames.
"It was very traumatic, I actually was tearing up because I mean, at the end of the driveway, just seeing the flames go through the house, just a reminder for me," said Thomas Zitzelberger II.
"I know he's a very good contractor, he does the work himself, him and his son, and so I really hope they say I hope they don't tear it down, I hope he just rebuilds," he said.
Three people and two dogs were inside the home at the time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Gulf Coast News observed firefighters continuing their investigation around the perimeter of the house.
Despite losing nearly everything, the homeowner said his family has found temporary shelter. A friend across the street has opened their home to them while they recover and begin the process of rebuilding.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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