Hernando home a total loss due to a fire; homeowner out of town
Hernando (Citrus County), Florida - At 6:50 am on Sunday, August 6, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. Nature Trail in Hernando due to the report of a fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two-story family residence fully involved with fire.
Firefighters made a 360-degree inspection of the property to find hazards that included a free standing chimney, collapsing balcony, and power to the home that could not initially be secured due to the extent of the fire. Due to these conditions, a defensive attack was establshed to bring the fire under control. The power company arrived on scene to secure the home's power, and firefighters then conducted additional searches to find no one inside the home.
Neighbors explained to firefighters that they were usure if the home’s occupants were at home or not, because the vehicle used primarily for transportation by the home's occupants was not at the residence. One of the home's occupants was contacted, and he explained to firefighters that his mother owns the home, and she had left, earlier in the day, to go out of town and had taken the family pet with her.
The fire was brought under control by 7:11 am, and the last unit cleared the scene at 11:19 am. The residence was a total loss, and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents. No injuries were reported. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Highlands, Citrus Springs, Kensington, and Connell Heights fire stations responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit.
Citrus County Fire Rescue can be contacted 24/7 in an emergency within Citrus County, Florida by dialing 911. For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, call (352) 527-5406 or visit www.CitrusCountyFire.com, Twitter.com/CitrusCoFire, or Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue.