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Letter to the editor

Woman held after blaze

An owner of a Clearwater condo destroyed by fire is in custody for a psychiatric evaluation.

By JONATHAN ABEL, Times Staff Writer
Published February 5, 2008

Residents of Imperial Cove condominiums watch Monday as firefighters with Clearwater Fire Rescue battle a blaze in Unit 25B at the complex in Clearwater.
	[Douglas R. Clifford | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Douglas R. Clifford | Times] A Clearwater firefighter uses an ax to access an attic while fighting a fire Monday morning at the Imperial Cove condominium complex along U.S. 19 in Clearwater. An investigation into the fire's cause continues.

CLEARWATER - A Clearwater woman was taken into custody for psychiatric evaluation Monday morning after a fire destroyed her condominium unit.

The blaze took place about 8:15 a.m. in Unit 25B of the Imperial Cove condominium complex at 19029 U.S. 19, according to public safety spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly-Watts.

Thirty to 35 firefighters from Clearwater Fire Rescue spent 15 minutes putting out the flames. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening, Daly-Watts said.

The condo was destroyed - an estimated loss of $120,000. And two neighboring units were slightly damaged.

Barbara King, 72, was at home in 25B when the fire occurred. She was taken into protective custody, according to rules of the Baker Act, and will be held for 72 hours for observation, Daly-Watts said.

Her husband, George King, was not at home at the time of the fire.

He is staying in a local hospital, Daly-Watts said.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Jonathan Abel can be reached at jabel@sptimes.com or 727 445-4157.

[Last modified February 4, 2008, 21:22:48]