Home fires in Citrus County, Florida on Aug. 30 and 31, and two on Sept. 4
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August 30, 2023 • W. Lemon St. • Beverly Hills, Florida
No one injured in Beverly Hills fire as Hurricane Idalia approaches area
Beverly Hills, Florida - At 7:11 am on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a W. Lemon St., Beverly Hills residence due to a reported fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find an approximately 1,800 square foot residence, with smoke coming from its peak and a corner.
Crews quickly extinguished the flames, and searched the home to find no one inside and no further hazards. The fire was brought under control as of 7:15 am, and the last unit cleared the scene at 8:19 am. The fire, which was caused by lightning, also caused a fire to the neighboring property’s cable box, located on the exterior of the building, which was promptly extinguished by fire crews. A forced entry was made into both homes, so that firefighters could check for further fire extension, and none was found. The building was then ventilated. No injuries were reported. Damages were estimated at $3,000.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Citrus Springs and Pine Ridge fire stations responded to the fire, along with Chief 2, and a rescue unit. Several other fire units were diverted from this fire to a fire in Crystal River, Florida that occurred near the same time.
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August 31, 2023 • W. Hillbilly Ln. • Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River home, previously flooded by storn surge from Hurricane Idalia, damaged by fire after power restored
Crystal River, Florida - At 3:18 pm on Thursday, August 31, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a W. Hillbilly Ln., Crystal River residence due to the report of a fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two story residence with heavy black smoke coming from the first floor. Fire was confirmed on the first floor. Crews quickly began extinguishment, while additional crews checked the second floor for fire extension, finding none. Searches found no one inside the building.
The fire was brought under control as of 3:36 pm, and the last unit cleared the scene at 4:28 pm. The fire, determined to be an accidental, electrical fire, was confined to the area of origin. Overhaul and ventilation of the structure was completed.
Fire personnel spoke with the 9-1-1 caller, a neighbor, who explained to them that the owner of the property, who was out of state, had received a motion activation notification on the property's remote camera, and when the owner examined the video, he saw flames, and had asked the neighbor to check his property.
The neighbor told firefighters that the power had been restored to the property, earlier in the day, after Hurricane Idalia, and the residence had previously had approximately two feet of water on the first floor, due to storm surge from the hurricane, and the water had since receded. The origin of the fire was near a surge protector, lying on the floor, that would have been underwater the previous day. The surge protector was plugged into the wall, at the side of the room, and had several cords and power tool chargers plugged in at the time of the fire.
Damages were estimated at approximately $55,000. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa and Pine Ridge fire stations responded to the scene, along with Chief 2, Chief 3, Chief 4, and a rescue unit .
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September 4, 2023 • W. High Acres St. • Lecanto, Florida
One peson injured in Lecanto, early morning Labor Day fire
Lecanto, Florida - At 1:36 am on Monday, September 4, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a W. High Acres St., Lecanto residence due to the report of a fire. While enroute to the fire, firefighters were informed by dispatch that the property was not accessible from High Acres St., due to poor road conditions, and the property should be accessed from American Avocet Pt.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find the residence fully involved with fire, and the roof already collapsed. A defensive attack was initiated. Downed power lines at the corner of the residence were identified as a hazard. The fire was brought under control as of 2:06 am, and the last unit cleared the scene at 7:06 am. Once the fire was under control, crews completed extensive overhaul and mop up.
Fire commanders made contact with the home's two occupants at the roadway. They informed firefighters that everyone was out of the residence. One occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The other resident advised that they were asleep and awakened by the smoke, that they found fire in the kitchen as they were exiting the home.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire, which is believed to be accidental. The residence was a total loss.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Kensington, and Highlands fire stations responded to the scene, along with a safety officer, and two rescue units.
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September 4, 2023 • N. Palm Ridge Ave. • Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River residence destroyed by morning fire
Crystal River, Florida - At 7:44 am on Monday, September 4, 2023, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a N. Palm Ridge Ave., Crystal River residence due to the report of a fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single wide mobile home fully involved with fire. Units began extinguishing the fire and protecting surrounding exposures. The power was secured at the breaker until the power company arrived on scene to secure power at the pole. The fire was brought under control as of 8:00 am, and the last unit cleared the scene at 9:39 am. Once the fire was under control, overhaul and mop up were completed. No injuries were reported.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the fire. The residence was a total loss.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa, Pine Ridge, Kensington, and Highlands fire stations responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit, and the rehab unit from Citrus Springs
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CONTACT CITRUS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
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.