Photo: Gulfcoastnow
Flames and smoke erupted from a vehicle on Sanibel, killing two dogs Monday afternoon.
The fire happened outside the Seahorse Shops Plaza on Pariwinkle Way at Anhinga Lane around noon.
The dogs’ owners were at the scene and were “very distraught,” the deputy chief said.
The Sanibel Fire Rescue District said they are investigating what caused the fire.
Witnesses said the fire broke out just minutes after the owners parked their SUV with the windows open.
“You actually take a step back for a second, and it’s like a, a light slap in the face, a little, little reality check, shock,” said Sanibel resident P. “That’s just sad. Just sad to hear.”
Ploen, who was walking his dogs Mango and Lacey nearby, said he smelled the fire as it burned.
“Burning, plastic, whatever. A different kind of smell,” he said.
The fire, which was caught on camera, showed smoke billowing from the SUV as it became engulfed in flames. Witnesses rushed to help with fire extinguishers, and Sanibel firefighters eventually put out the blaze.
C, who works at the Seahorse Shops, said she was there when the fire started.
“They literally just had walked to the store. I think they picked up one T-shirt and then it all just unraveled. I mean, we’re talking minutes,” C said.
She added that the dog owners, visiting from North Carolina, had parked their car for around 10 minutes.
“They’re both retired veterans. They just retired, and they were taking a family trip. It’s just devastating,” C said.
Ploen reflected on the loss, calling it a reminder of how quickly a family outing can turn tragic.
“They’re part of your family. Take them with you. Don’t leave them alone,” he said.
Count on Gulf Coast News to bring you the latest developments on this story.
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Source: Gulfcoastnow
