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In the aftermath of a harrowing blaze that engulfed a residence on the 2200 block of North Osprey Avenue, the community is hearing firsthand accounts of bravery from both a survivor and the Sarasota Police Department officers who risked their lives in a daring rescue mission. The incident, which occurred late last Friday night, has left a lasting impact on those involved.
The fire erupted shortly after 10 p.m., leaving residents with no choice but to act quickly amid a backdrop of roaring flames and treacherous falling power lines. The intense situation demanded immediate and decisive action to ensure survival.
Among the survivors was Tyrone McNeil, who recounted the chaotic moments after being awakened by urgent cries from his neighbors. “I woke up to use the bathroom when I heard people yelling to call the fire department,” McNeil shared. “I saw the flames and just started running down the road. The walls were popping, and the fire was spreading from the poles. My focus was on getting away from there as fast as I could.”
As emergency responders, including firefighters and police officers, quickly arrived on the scene, body camera footage captured the realization that not all residents had managed to escape the burning home. The officers’ swift response and courageous actions during such perilous circumstances have been crucial in ensuring the safety of those trapped. The community now reflects on the heroism displayed during these tense moments.
As firefighters and police responded, body-worn camera footage shows officers arriving to find that not everyone had made it out of the home.
Officer Anthony Zappone was just a street away when the call came in and immediately ran toward the fire.
- Officers, survivor recount horrific Sarasota house fire
“I trust my partners with my life, so running in there I know they have my back,” Zappone said.
Body camera video shows Zappone entering the home to help residents who were still inside. He said many of them were elderly and unaware of the danger.
“I don’t know if they even knew that a fire was happening. So you, like, want to push them along and move them fast? Like, come on, let’s go. But you also got to remember that they are elderly and you don’t know what kind of state of mind they’re in,” Zappone said.
According to authories, live power lines began coming down as transformers malfunctioned, creating extremely hazardous conditions around the burning home.
Officers can be heard on camera urgently telling residents to get out as sparks and electricity filled the area.
Officer Daniel Stevens, who was filling in on a shift that night, was right behind Zappone.
Video shows Stevens lifting an adult resident to move her away from danger.
“The power lines started blowing in directions that were closer or even closer to us than before, because there was above the house and then there was across the street, kind of we’re in the middle of the road between the house that’s on fire and then the other side of the road,” Stevens said. “So when those start going, clearly that’s not a good place for us to get. So other officers there also helped pick her up and we just moved to another safe destination,” he said.
Zappone said the electrical hazards were one of the biggest threats once residents were removed from the home.
“People are worrying about the fire, but the the danger is coming out because electricity can jump. Those lines don’t actually have to hit you. They can jump by two or three feet and make connection with you,” Zappone explained. “So once we got everybody out of the house, the next order of business was to get everybody away from power lines,” he said.
Zappone said his response was driven by a lifetime surrounded by first responders.
“I come from a line of first responders. You know, my dad was, an army vet. My mom’s a, ER, nurse, all my cousins, a lot of my cousins are firemen. Grandfather was a police officer. So it’s kind of how I was raised. So it’s kind of second nature. I don’t think about it,” he said. “My wife is also in law enforcement as well. So we know the risk. So, I mean, you just, you kiss your loved ones goodbye, and you go to work and, you know you’re going to come home,” Zappone added.
Stevens said the fire serves as a reminder for residents to be aware of their surroundings and have a plan in emergencies.
“No matter what kind of structure you live in or where you’re at, know your surroundings, know what your points are of exit so that you can maintain safety at all times,” Stevens said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen or what can become a problem. So knowing those things and being aware of those things at first, I think very important…you know your house better than I do, so if you can assist with some of those directions or knowing where people are at, that helps us out a lot,” he said.
The home was destroyed, but McNeil said he is focused on what matters most.
“That’s material stuff. I’m just going to thank God that I’m alive,” he said.
Authorities said one adult was transported to Tampa General Hospital. Another adult suffered minor burns and was treated at the scene. The conditions of both victims have not been released.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.