Fire burns through roof of "Idol" finalist's home

FORT MYERS: A fire destroyed the home of American Idol finalist Vonzell Solomon late Thursday night.

Firefighters say it was an incredibly strong fire - and there wasn't a fire hydrant near the house. Crews had to lay 1,500 feet of hose to get to the nearest hydrant.

"That's a heavy line to lay in a quick pattern and easy pattern, get it hooked up is quite a skill," said Christie Knudson of the South Trail Fire Department.

Firefighters were able to put it out in about 15 minutes, but that was plenty of time for it to leave heavy damage.

"We believe the fire was contained to the bedroom but… the fire did go through the roof," Knudson said.

Solomon, also known as "Baby V," was not at the home on Church Street, just south of Colonial, when the fire started around 11:30 p.m. Neighbors say she arrived shortly after.

They say she spent the evening recovering in the house across the street.