Fire engulfs St. Petersburg home, displaces 9 people

ST. PETERSBURG — Firefighters are investigating a blaze that engulfed a two-story home and displaced nine people Friday night.

They were called to 4186 53rd Ave. S about 9:35 p.m. "The people called 911 and said they were watching a movie and smelled smoke," said Lt. Joel Granata of St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue.

When authorities got on the scene, the house was already engulfed, and firefighters made an aggressive indoor and outdoor attack so the fire couldn't spread to other homes, Granata said.

The occupants inside, seven adults and two children, got out safely. There were no injuries, Granata said. The homeowners told firefighters they had electrical problems recently. Damage was estimated at $100,000.

Property records indicate that the 2,500-square-foot home is owned by John Colella and Kathryn Hibbard. It was worth $256,000 in 2008, records show.