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Hernando Today

Structure Fire Destroys Home

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By TONY HOLT Hernando Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 2, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - It began with popping sounds coming from the dryer and smoke billowing from the roof vent.

A few minutes later, it grew to a full-scale structure fire with engines coming from multiple directions to stop it.

The blaze destroyed the house located at 8170 Weeping Willow Street.

An 11-year-old boy told a Hernando County Sheriff's deputy he was working on a project on his computer shortly before noon Saturday when he heard "popping noises" coming from the clothes dryer, according to a sheriff's report.

The boy did not think the noises sounded threatening, so he returned to his work, deputies said.

At that point, the computer shut down. The boy turned it on, but the machine shut off again, according to the report.

The noises from the laundry room got louder and the boy's eyes started to burn, deputies said.

He told authorities that was when he ran to the laundry room and saw the room filled with smoke and the door covered in soot.

The boy, whose name was not released, grabbed the family dog and ran outside to the backyard. He waved down the first vehicle he saw and requested assistance, deputies said.

The driver of the vehicle called 911, according to the report.

The Fire Marshall is investigating the blaze, which does not appear suspicious, firefighters said.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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