Fires Leave Dozens Homeless

By Pat Peterson Reporter

Two separate fires at apartment complexes in Pensacola cause major damage Fires Leave Dozens Homeless

Published: Fri, March 14, 2008 - 5:41 pm

Pat Peterson

Carrie Peery just remodeled her Pensacola condo, but her project went up in smoke Thursday when a fire broke out a next-door unit in the Brigatine Condominium complex.

"It could have been a lot worse," says Peery. "I'm glad I was home because I was able to wake up my next door neighbor who was taking a nap. I got them out just in time. I've got insurance so I'll be okay. I'm just glad nobody was hurt."

At least six units at Brigatine were damaged or destroyed. Neighbor Crystal Hawthorne and her daughter, Kayla, were home when the fire started.

"I tried to put it out with a garden hose," says Hawthorne. "But the flames were too hot and it went up fast. I actually burned my back while trying to help."

"It's sad," says Kayla Hawthorne. "They were real nice people and they lost everything."

Across town, people living at the Forest Green Apartments are still cleaning up after Wednesday's fire.

"They say I should be able to get back home this weekend," says Debra Bowens. "Thank God I'm alive."

At least 30 people lost their homes in the fires. Fire investigators say both fires were accidents. The Red Cross has given fire victims over four-thousand dollars worth of food, clothing and shelter expenses.