Dog saves couple from fire

TAMPA -- An agitated little dog roused an elderly couple from slumber shortly after 4 a.m. today, alerting them to a fire in their attic.

Tampa Fire Rescue officials say Alice Ferrari, 82, and Ted Kolanko, 83, were asleep in their home  near Lowry Park on West Hamilton Ave. when their dog began acting up. Ferrari awoke and let the dog out, then noticed that there was smoke in the house.  A fire caused by an electrical short in a ceiling fan of the laundry room had broken out.

The couple escaped without harm, and have been staying with friends. Fire Rescue personnel put out the fire, which did an estimated $50,000 in damage. 

Times staff