An overnight fire that tore through a vacation-rental building forced firefighters to perform a daring rescue in Treasure Island.

  • Overnight fire tears through rental building in Treasure Island
  • Building owner and his dog rescued off balcony
  • Intense flames crack windows on other side of street

John Stambaugh and his dog were rescued off a balcony just after midnight at the rental building located at 110 90th Ave. Crews were additionally concerned about the fire due to the proximity of other buildings.

According to Pinellas County Fire Rescue, Stambaugh was trapped on the balcony with his dog as flames tore through his unit.

Firefighters were able to reach Stambaugh and his dog by ladder and pull them off the balcony. Crews then were able to bring the fire under control. Fire officials said at least two other buildings were damaged.

The rental building had three units inside. Stambaugh owns the building and lives upstairs.

"He's my hero," Stambaugh said of the rookie firefighter that rescued him and his dog. "That dog means alot to me, I'm retired and that's my companion. The fact that he (firefighter) saved her life and mine - what can you say?"

Officials said the outside of a neighboring building sustained some damage from flames. Also, a building across 90th Avenue had windows crack due to the intense flames.

Three people were inside the rental building when the fire broke out. A couple in a downstairs unit managed to get out of the building okay.

The fire is under investigation.