Early morning fire destroys Beverly Hills home
Beverly Hills, Florida - Early Wednesday morning, March 22, 2023, at 1:17 am, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. Muscadine Path in Beverly Hills due to the report of a fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single story, approximately 2,600 square foot concrete block home, approximately 75% involved with fire, showing from the center roof and main body of the home.
The property owner had exited the residence prior to the arrival firefighters, and advised them that he was the only occupant of the home. Entry into the residence was made to conduct searches, but no one was found inside.
Law enforcement personnel, already on scene, were evacuating neighbors from their homes, on both sides on the home on fire, as a precautionary measure. After conducting a 360-degree appraisal of the residence, firefighters began extinguishment of the flames from the yard, while protecting neighboring exposures. Firefighters determined that the fire extended into the garage attic and began additional suppression activities.
The property owner advised firefighters that he was returning home from work and found the roof of the residence on fire. He said that he attempted to enter the residence, but was unable to due to flames and heavy smoke inside the home, and he then called 9-1-1.
The property owner of a neighboring residence was informed about heat damage to a gable and siding of the residence. Crews investigated the neighboring residence for any further fire or smoke extension damage to the interior of the residence, but none was found.
The fire was brought under control as of 1:49 am. After an extensive mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 6:02 am. The residence was a total loss. No injuries were reported.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating cause and origin of the fire. The power company responded to the scene to secure the power. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced homeowner.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “If there is a fire in your home, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things. Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.”
Firefighters from the Hernando, Pine Ridge, Kensington, Connell Heights, Highlands, and Citrus Springs fire stations assisted with the fire, along with a Chief Officer and a Safety Captain.
Citrus County Fire Rescue can be contacted by phone at (352) 527-5406, or in an emergency by dialing 911 within Citrus County, Florida. Visit online at www.CitrusCountyFire.com, Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue, or Twitter.com/CitrusCoFire.