A Seminole family is homeless for the holidays after a fire ripped through their home on Wednesday.

  • Daughter, 2 dogs inside home when fire started
  • No one hurt in fire
  • Took about 30 minutes to put fire out

“The house, it probably is going to be a whole loss,” said acting fire chief Chip Bodine. "We arrived on scene, heavy smoke and fire showing throughout the house."

It took about a half an hour for Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue firefighters to put the fire out. Bodine said it took that long because of a lack of good access and firefighters had to clear the home.

“My crews did do a primary search. We deemed there was nobody inside,” he said. “I pulled the crews out just for safety reasons."

Homeowner Deb Bombard said her 13-year-old daughter, Elyse, was inside the home, located on the 13000 block of Meares Drive, when it caught on fire.

"She was in the kitchen and she heard some crackling,” said Bombard. “We have a wooden deck out back that has a tub on it and she said it was on fire."

The deck area behind the home was burned beyond recognition. Bombard said she’s just thankful her daughter was able to get out safely with their two dogs.

"I'm very thankful and very blessed that she made it out ok and she didn't get hurt,” she said. “These things can be replaced. You know my daughter can't."

Bodine said the cause of the fire is under investigation.