Fire sends three to hospital with smoke inhalation, kills dog

SEFFNER -- A mobile home erupted in flames this morning, killing a dog and sending three people to local hospitals with injuries from smoke inhalation.

A dog, a snake and two cats remain missing.

"Apparently, somebody tried to go in and rescue his animals, and then his neighbor tried to pull him out," said Hillsborough Fire Rescue spokesman Bruce Delk.

A third person, standing close to the mobile home at 310 Elm St., also was taken to a hospital with smoke inhalation and lacerations shortly after flames broke out about 10:20 a.m., Delk said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Casey Cora, Times staff writer