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Fire claims home in Bokeelia, resident saved by neighbors

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At 8:27 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Department received a call about a fire in Tropic Isle Trailer Park in St. James City. Upon arrival, firefighters found a travel trailer on lot #103 fully involved, but the owner, Victor Dahl, 70, was miraculously spared from injury thanks to a neighbor.

Dahl had confessed that he had been smoking in bed and had fallen asleep. Neighbors Marcia DeForest and Peter Linko had been walking in the trailer park when they observed the smoke. DeForest entered the home finding Dahl asleep and pulled him to safety.

“Ms. DeForest is a real hero, she is responsible for saving his (Dahll’s) life,” said Deputy Chief Joe Marzella.

Dahl is currently staying with another resident of the RV Park.

“Had it not been for my neighbors, I would not be here today. Since the fire, everyone has been taking care of me, feeding me and even washing my laundry and I cannot thank them enough,” said Dahl. “I came to Pine Island three years ago by accident and now I tell people the only way they are going to get me to leave is in a plastic bag or a pine box.”

According to witness Henny ‘Dutch” Vliege, “While we were walking around the park, I saw smoke coming the roof from Vic’s trailer and I knew it couldn’t be from cooking bacon and eggs so, I ran to the home of Steve Boyette and told him to call 911.”

Vliege said that the fire department arrived quickly and did a good job of containing the fire.

“The response time was excellent and had they arrived just five minutes later the outcome would have been much different,” said Vliege.

No other property was damaged as a result of the blaze.

Rescuer DeForest said that when she saw the smoke she reacted out of instinct.

“For me it was a natural reaction. I saw a bad situation and knew something had to be done and I just did it without thinking twice about it,” said DeForest. “We stuck together as a community like the people on Pine Island always do.”

Also witnessing the fire and rescue, park resident Peter Linko applauded the efforts of DeForest.

“She has always been good in a crisis situation and in my book, she is top notch,” said Linko.

Members from the Fire Marshal’s office were called to the scene and following an investigation, declared the fire accidental.