Africanized bees hamper St. Pete firefighters

Bees hamper St. Pete firefighters

40,000 Africanized bees, electrified fence hamper St. Pete firefighters
Stephanie Hayes, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Jun 09, 2009 11:23 AM

The fire broke out at Robert Porter's one-story wood frame home at 1661 29th Ave. N around 9:30 a.m. A gas and water heater on Porter's back porch was too close to an empty book case and boxes, said St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Granata. It erupted in flames, destroying the porch and spreading fire into the house through the back.

The fire burned down a TECO electric line on the back of the house, which fell and electrified a chain link fence in the back yard.

The Africanized bees burst from the hive, 8-feet tall and 30 inches wide nestled in the front of Porter's house. Capt. Bernie Williams told his firefighters with bee allergies to get back. That's when he felt the sting on his right shin.
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