LARGO, Fla. — A family in Largo lost their home after two fires last week.
- Fire broke out before 8:30 a.m. on January 13
- The Bickarts' home caught fire again the next day
- The cause remains unknown
Richard and April Bickart owned the home on 104th Court in Largo for 21 years. On January 13, it went up in flames.
“I didn’t think that it would burn everything up so fast," said April.
The fire started in the garage. Investigators still don't know what caused the fire. At first, most of the home was salvagable despite significant damage to the garage and a car.
The next day, the home went up in flames again. Now the home is destroyed.
"It still hurts to look at it," said Richard.
Throughout the past week, the community has been helping the couple get back on their feet.
A neighbor set up a GoFundMe to raise money for them. Customers at Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino in Pinellas Park have been dropping off donations since the owners posted about the fire on Facebook. Richard has been a server there for more than eight years.
“The customers here are unbelievable," said Richard.
Strangers have donated clothing and other items to the Bickarts since they lost everything.
“We’re very grateful for everybody," said Richard.
The Bickarts say they have homeowners insurance, but they didn't update their policy yearly. They say they won't be getting as much money as their home and belongings were worth. They plan to sell the property and buy a new home.
“There's a lot of good coming out of this. There’s a lot of good people that make you think twice about stuff," said April.
The couple is thankful no one was injured in the fire.