Inverness residence a total loss following fire caused by unattended fire pit
Photos cortesy of Citrus County Fire Rescue
Inverness (Citrus County), Florida - Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a S. Cove Walk, Inverness residence at 5:48 pm, on Monday evening, May 17, due to the report of a fire.
The Inverness Fire Department was the first unit to arrive on scene at 5:55 pm, with the Highlands Fire Station arriving soon after at 5:58 pm. Firefighters found an approximately 1,500 square foot residence approximately 75% involved with fire. A deputy and a neighbor, already on scene, told firefighters they were unsure if the home was occupied. Due to not knowing if people might be trapped or injured inside and seeing one car in the driveway, firefighters made entry into the structure by way of a side window and searched for occupants, finding none, while other firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.
The fire was called under control at 6:36 pm, and crews cleared the scene at 8:46 pm. No injuries were reported.
The homeowners arrived at the residence while crew members were extinguishing the fire. The Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced homeowners.
The Inverness Fire Chief advised that the fire was caused by an uncovered burning fire pit, located about six feet from the house, that was left unattended while the homeowners were away from the residence.
Other fire stations and personnel that assisted with thee fire included Battalion Chief 1, Engine 24 from Floral City, Engine 5 from Hernando, Tanker 7 from Connell Heights, Safety Captain 103, and the Rehab Unit from Citrus Springs.
Citrus County Fire Rescue can be contacted by phone at 352-527-5406. Visit its website at www.citruscountyfire.com, on Facebook at Citrus County Fire Rescue, or Twitter @citruscofire.