Numerous vehicles destroyed in Hernando, FL garage fire, likely started by burn barrel
Hernando, Florida - On Sunday, May 1, at 6:21 pm, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a N. Kenilworth Terrace, Hernando residence due to the report of a fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find fire to a large garage that involved several vehicles and had extended to the gable and side of a double wide mobile home.
The homeowner advised firefighters that he and one other person were the only occupants of the home and they had both safely exited the home. The homeowner also warned of a large amount of ammunition inside the residence.
Firefighters began extinguishment to protect the fire's extension to the gable and to also extinguish the vehicle fires. Crews determined there was no visible fire extension to the interior of the home, although fire was found in the attic, which was quickly contained.
The homeowners told firefighters that they were inside the residence when they heard a large explosion and exited the home to find the garage area on fire. The homeowner moved a recreational vehicle and his tractor from the side of the home and then began to attempt extinguishment with a garden hose.
Three vehicles, a motorcycle, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and numerous tools were damaged by the fire. A burn barrel found on the side of the garage area was hot and smoldering. The homeowner advised that he had been burning in the barrel prior to the fire, and according to CCFR, the wind direction indicated that the fire had extended from the burn barrel to the garage and home.
The fire was under control at 6:40 pm. The home was ventilated then verified clear of hazardous carbon monoxide levels by the use of a carbon monoxide monitor, and turned over to the homeowner. No injuries were reported. The last fire unit cleared the scene at 8:42 pm.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge, Kensington and Highlands fire stations responded to the scene, along with a Safety Captain.
Citrus County Fire Rescue can be contacted by phone at (352) 527-5406. Visit online at www.citruscountyfire.com, Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue, or Twitter.com/citruscofire.