Sometime around 11:00 last night, a raging fire left a San Pedro islander with nothing but the charred remains of his plywood home. He is iconic island personality "Coconut" Leo. According to him, he left his home early in the evening and on his way back he was alerted by the fire truck speeding past him and the smoke in the distance. By the time he got there, his home was completely destroyed. When we spoke to him today he insisted that someone with malicious intent might have been responsible for setting his house on fire.
Had it not been for the quick response of the fire department and neighbors who worked together to quell the fire, the fire would have extended to other wooden structures in the near vicinity.
Police say they have no information suggesting that it was an arson.
Coconut Leo is a well-known islander who performs stunts for tourists and the local kids with his acrobatic skills. Anyone wishing to assist him to get back on his feet can contact him at 634-8029.
