My heart goes out to the Southern Trace couple whose home burned down.

[Taltarzac]

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2009/12/21/news/news01.txt

What a horrible thing to go through and near Christmas as well. Thank God their dog managed to survive.

[JeanneBeannie]

I am so saddened to hear this tragic news. It is heartbreaking any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas time. I am so glad the lil doggie made it out.
If anyone forms a group to help them out please post it or let me know, i.e. clothes, food, shelter etc., I would be happy to do anything I can.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Moreno family.
Jeanne

[Pturner]

I am so thankful no one was hurt. It warms my heart to read of their caring neighbors who are opening their homes and hearts.

[skip0358]

Sure glad nobody was hurt hopefully the smoke alarms awoke the resident. This might be a good time for everyone to check there's. I too would like to help if support is needed.

[Larryandlinda]

Sure glad nobody was hurt hopefully the smoke alarms awoke the resident. This might be a good time for everyone to check there's. I too would like to help if support is needed.

While you're checking smoke alarms check to see that you don't have too much plugged in - better to prevent.
Godspeed on the rebuild of home, health, and spirit

L&L

[graciegirl]

Oh no. How sad.

I would think that something would prevent this kind of electrical overload. Isn't that what breakers do?

Thank heavens they are alive.

[villages07]

The paper said an electrical malfunction was suspected, subject to further investigation.

I happened to ride by that location (big corner lot on main Southern Trace road) this afternoon and saw a plethora of inflatables and other Christmas (plug-in) lights and decorations in the yard.

I'm just so glad no one was hurt. Property can be rebuilt. Villagers are notorious for stepping up and helping their neighbors when tragedy or hardship strikes.

[Larryandlinda]

The paper said an electrical malfunction was suspected, subject to further investigation.

I happened to ride by that location (big corner lot on main Southern Trace road) this afternoon and saw a plethora of inflatables and other Christmas (plug-in) lights and decorations in the yard.

I'm just so glad no one was hurt. Property can be rebuilt. Villagers are notorious for stepping up and helping their neighbors when tragedy or hardship strikes.


Yes, If we were still down yonder we'd help in any way, and suggest a good way to help is to get the word out about circuits and holiday decorations.
not to suggest Big Brother-ish protocol, but maybe someone with a minimal knowledge of electricity and safety should help fellow decorators with their knowledge

L&L

[ajbrown]

Yes, If we were still down yonder we'd help in any way, and suggest a good way to help is to get the word out about circuits and holiday decorations.
not to suggest Big Brother-ish protocol, but maybe someone with a minimal knowledge of electricity and safety should help fellow decorators with their knowledge

L&L
I am sure glad everyone was OK. What a lousy time of year for this...

As far as what may have happened? I have no knowledge of what the investigators found, but one possibility to be careful of when connecting many things is the extension cord(s)....

The fire investigators will publish their findings, but to be so bold as guess, things like this could be caused by cheap extension cord. I would sure hope the issue was not in the house wiring. The circuit breaker "should" trip if the load attached to the circuit was too high. I _suspect_ the load was not too high for the breaker, but the extension cord or device used to connect all of these items to that same device overheated.

Always make sure an extension cord is rated to carry the load you are asking of it...

[chelsea24]

This is just awful. I'm so saddened for this couple. I'm happy they and the pup are fine. But, all their memories... gone. Just awful. I will keep them in my prayers for sure.

[OpusX1]

Glad everyone and the dog is well. All that is gone is stuff. Stuff can be replaced by other stuff. Hopefully they have insurance if not the stuff will be harder to replace. Sad story but could have been much much sadder.

[joannej]

No one ever thinks this might happen to me! But some time it does. This story could have been even more tragic if there was loss of life (even the puppy). But thank God that all the lives were spared. What a great place the Villages is. Right away the couple involved had their neighbors volunteer to take them in till they can resolve the matter with their insurance co., contractors, etc.