An Okeechobee woman sustained third degree burns trying to save her dogs from a fire that consumed her RV and all her possessions on July 24.
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OKEECHOBEE – An Okeechobee woman sustained third degree burns trying to save her dogs from a fire that consumed her RV and all her possessions on July 24.
“We had a fire in our RV park,” explained Okeechobee VFW Post 4423 Quartermaster Sylvester Spinetta. “Wendy Kennett, who is an auxiliary member of Post 4423 and an auxiliary officer, lost everything, including four dogs. Wendy also sustained third degree burns while trying to rescue the animals.”
He said Kennett is being treated in Kendal Burn Center.
According to the Okeechobee County Fire Rescue report, the fire was reported at 2:01 p.m. on July 24. Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene at 2:08 p.m. and found the 2018 RV fully engulfed in flames. Five other RVs were in close proximity.
Kennett was visiting someone in another RV when they noticed smoke coming from her RV. She was seriously burned trying to rescue her pets.
Fire Rescue cews extinguished the fire and called Okeechobee Animal Control to remove the deceased pets.
Kendall was transported by ambulance to Raulerson Hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. According to the report, the fire started near an appliance. The first type of material ignited was plastic.
Kennett lost everything she owned. The VFW Post, 300 NW 34th St., is collecting donations. “Anything and everything is needed,” Spinetta added.
Kennett wears size 6 shoes, size 2 pants, size 2 or x-small shirts. “She has no basic living stuff like pillows, blankets, pots, pans, dishes and such ... no toiletries towels ... nothing,” the VFW post shared on their Facebook page.
A GoFundMe.com account has been set up under the name “Wendy’s RV Fire Lost Everything & Medical.”
Donations may be mailed to:
VFW 4423 North Post
c/o Wendy Wolfe Kennett
300 NW 34th St
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
On Monday, the VFW Post held a fundraiser for Kennett, giving free barbecued pork sandwiches to anyone who donated.
The Okeechobee County Fire Rescue estimated losses at $30,000 for the RV and $5,000 for contents.
