Father, son and pets escape fire in Largo apartment complex

Fire forces families out of Largo Apartments

A father and son in Largo said they feel lucky to be alive after a fire at their apartment Monday morning. Daniel and Thomas King had minor cuts and scrapes, and most of their belongings were destroyed.?

LARGO, Fla. - A father and son in Largo said they feel lucky to be alive after a fire at their apartment Monday morning. Daniel and Thomas King had minor cuts and scrapes, and most of their belongings were destroyed. 

Daniel King said he was in the shower just before 7:30 when he smelled smoke. 

"I smelled this thick smoke and the alarm went off, and my dad said, ‘We gotta get out of the apartment,’" Daniel said.

His dad saw flames coming out of the air vents in the ceiling. 

Aerial view of apartment fire on Canterbury Lane in Largo. Two units were damaged and at least one family was displaced

"I yelled for my dad to get the cat carriers and get my babies out, and then I told my dad to get out as fast as he can," Daniel recalled.

Their pets made it out alive as well. The Kings said they’re staying with family members until repairs are made to their unit.

"It could always be worse. We walked out at least with just minor cuts and scrapes, but other than that, we walked out at least. Material things can be replaced. We can’t," Daniel said.

Aerial view of apartment fire on Canterbury Lane in Largo. Two units were damaged and at least one family was displaced

According to Largo Fire Rescue, the fire impacted two units at Canterbury Villa Apartments, which is near Seminole Boulevard.

Aerial view of apartment fire on Canterbury Lane in Largo. Two units were damaged and at least one family was displaced

The property manager said the residents of the other unit were not home when the fire started. The Red Cross was also on scene assisting Monday. 

The state fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire, but said it appears accidental.