A man and woman were hospitalized after a fire tore through a mobile home in Thonotosassa early Sunday, authorities said.
Firefighters responded at 11940 N. U.S. 301 around 7:25 a.m. and found smoke and flames coming from the home.
Neighbor RoseAnne Byrd said that before help arrived, David Caffrey pulled his wife, Melanie, to safety.
“When he came in, he felt for the door, the bedroom door," Byrd said. "[Melanie] was standing there with a blanket over her head. Not knowing where...she was disoriented. He pretty much threw her out the door! He apologized later.”
David Caffrey is in critical condition in the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital, while Melanie Caffrey was treated and released from the hospital.
A family dog and a couple of pet birds died in the fire, but firefighters were able to rescue a cat, which they gave to neighbors for follow-up care.
The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes. Investigators are trying to determine what caused it.
Neighbors say the couple is in need of basic hygiene products, as well as food and clothing. In addition, a family member says Melanie Caffrey, who is a graphic artist, lost all of her equipment.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the couple.
Note: This Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit: http://www.gofundme.com/safety.
Flames tore through this mobile home in Thonotosassa early Sunday. Two people were transported to a local hospital, and a family dog died. (HCFR)