Lecanto home fire determined to be caused by smoking on patio
Lecanto, Florida — At 10:46 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on N. Entry Oaks Pt. in Lecanto due to a reported fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find an approximately 2,400 square-feet residence with smoke showing from the roof. The property owner advised fire rescue that all the people and pets had already evacuated the residence.
Firefighters determined that the main fire area was an outside patio, with extension of the fire into a bedroom. Firefighters made entry through the front door, observed moderate smoke conditions throughout the residence, and began a fire attack. Arriving units assisted with ouside fire operations. A mattress which had caught fire was taken outside to be extinguished, and the fire within the residence was brought under control by 11:00 pm.
Searches confirmed that no one remained inside the residence. The power was disconnected until the power company arrived on scene. Using thermal imaging cameras, crews confirmed that no further fire extension was present, inside or outside of the residence. Fire personnel assisted the occupants with gathering their personal belongings. The residence was ventilated with positive pressure until it was clear. After overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 12:38 am (Feb. 1).
No injuries were reported. The fire was determined to have begun on the patio, and it is believed to be accidental. The property had working smoke alarms, which notified the occupants of the fire. Damages were estimated at $80,000. Assistance was requested for the occupants, due to them being displaced by the fire.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, national estimates for fires to residential buildings in 2021 caused by smoking shows 7,800 fires, with 275 deaths, 750 injuries and $361,500,000 in losss.
Citrus County Fire Rescue offes these tipe: If you smoke, put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa, Pine Ridge, and Kensington fire stations arrived on scene, along with a rescue unit.
For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue visit its website at www.citruscountyfire.com.