Family memories stolen in storage unit fire

Published: Updated:

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – Firefighters were still searching through debris after extinguishing a fire at a storage unit Thursday around 5 p.m.

Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire at Elite Stor on Village Lakes Boulevard, authorities said.

Three units were completely ruined but a total of 10 units were damaged, investigators said. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said every one who was affected has been notified.

One of the victims, Laura Crespo, said investigators told her nothing in her unit would be salvageable. She had just moved her belongings into the unit less than two weeks ago.

Crespo said one thing she lost is more precious than anything.

“My baby pictures of my kids. My baby pictures because you can’t bring that back and that’s what’s most important to me are my pictures,” she said.

She said she is hoping she will be able to recover something, but is still dealing with her sadness.

“It’s the worst feeling in the world to know that your whole life has gone up in flames. Everything you had — and have nothing left,” Crespo said.

The fire is still under investigation.

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