Hernando home fire believed to be caused by space heater
Hernando, Florida — At 12:46 pm on Thursday, February 1, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on E. Millwood Ln. in Hernando due to a reported fire.
Deputies arrived on scene to find a single wide mobile home fully involved with fire, and a power pole that had sustained fire damage quickly identified as a safety hazard. Crews were monitored as they worked near the pole. Personnel established a defensive attack on the fire, and incoming units established the water supply. Searches were conducted, with no one found inside the residence.
It was determined that the mobile home did not have power connected to it, and the occupant had run an extension cord to the home from a residence on a neighboring street. It was also determined that a space heater had been left on in the bedroom.
The fire was brought under control by 1:04 pm. After overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 2:35 pm.
No injuries were reported. The investigation determined that the fire had begun in the bedroom and was accidental. Damages were estimated at approximately $30,000.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of all residential building fires, following cooking. In 2021, an estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss. Citrus County Fire Rescue advises that you turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge, Kensington, Connell Heights, and Highlands fire stations arrived on scene, along with a safety captain and rescue unit.
For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue visit www.citruscountyfire.com.