Fire victim looks for strength after flames rip through home

Published: Updated:
Cape Coral Fire Department

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – A Cape Coral family doesn’t have a place to call home, after a fire ripped through their garage Saturday night.

Homeowner, Teresa Smith, is at a loss for words, “Just can’t believe it.”

Flames ripped through the roof of her garage. Cars and motorcycles, gone. Severe smoke damage left throughout her entire home.

“Things started exploding and from there it’s a blur,” she said.

One day later, she sees the damage for the first time. “They wouldn’t let me look last night, and pulling up, I had no idea.”

The Cape Coral Fire Department says it took 40 minutes to battle the flames. Crews say they had to fight live power lines and multiple explosions.

“They’re wonderful people,” said Bill Peterson, a family friend. “Anybody that can do anything at all, would be greatly appreciated.”

Teresa, her husband, and their two dogs made it out safely.

For now, they’ll stay with family. Even through all the pain, she still finds it in herself to move forward. “Now I got to get it cleaned up”, said Smith. “Get our lives back together.”

The fire remains under investigation.

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