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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 19, 2002
ZEPHYRHILLS -- Authorities blamed a short circuit for a fire that damaged a vacant house Thursday and sent one firefighter to the hospital.
Zephyrhills fire Chief Robert Hartwig said the fire was reported about 4:55 p.m. at 38123 Eighth Ave.
Smoke was billowing from the attic when crews arrived, and firefighters had to fight the fire through the roof to get to the source, Hartwig said.
No one was living in the house, but it appeared to be under renovation. Property Appraiser's Office records show David Depristo is the property owner.
Fighting the fire in Thursday's intense heat and humidity sent firefighter Tom Joiner to East Pasco Medical Center for observation after he appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion at the scene, Hartwig said.
"It's brutal," Hartwig said of the heat. "It just takes everything out of you."