A two-alarm fire roared through a large home on Lafayette Boulevard in Oldsmar at daybreak, forcing a family to flee for their lives.
Shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday firefighters from Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, East Lake and other fire departments in Pinellas County responded to 435 Lafayette Blvd. in Oldsmar to battle what turned out to be a stubborn house fire.
Their job was complicated when firefighting crews decided they would not use the ladder truck because of several tall trees on the property, authorities said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire Rescue officials told ABC Action News the family held a party at the house Saturday night and several candles had been used. However, it had not been determine whether the candles were a factor.
There were no reports of injuries. Emergency responders checked out one resident and a firefighter on the scene and determine they would be fine.
