Hernando home damaged by carport fire deemed accidental
Hernando, Florida - At 10:33 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on N. Highland Park Dr. in Hernando due to a reported fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a large carport fully involved with fire that was extending into the attached mobile home.
An inspection was conducted, and fire was found on the side of the structure where the carport was located. The fire was extending through the windows, the doorway, and the skirting under the structure. The main exterior electrical panel was completely involved with fire which had destroyed it, which resulted in no power to the residence. A live power line was noted as a potential hazard, and a car was present in the yard.
Neighbors were unsure whether or not the occupants were home. Based on this information, firefighters searched the residence while other firefighters continued extinguishing the fire. Two searches of the residence comfirmed there were no occupants inside the residence.
The homeowners arrived home and told firefighters that they'd left the home at approximately 8:00 pm, and had been cooking in the area where the fire had originated, earlier in the day.
The power company arrived on scene to secure power. After the fire was brought under control at 10:50 pm, an additional inspection was conducted, with no further external hazards found. After the overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 12:37 am. Crew members ventilated the structure using positive pressure and monitored interior conditions with a gas monitor used to detect carbon monoxide. Once the home was deemed safe, homeowners were escorted through the structure by fire personnel to retrieve personal items; they were advised to return the next day after the structure was completely ventilated.
No injuries were reported. An investigation determined that the fire was likely accidental and it began in the attached carport. Damages were estimated at $82,000. Assistance was offered to the homeowners who declined the assistance.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Citrus Springs, Kensington, and Pine Ridge fire stations arrived on scene, along with a rescue unit.
For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit www.citruscountyfire.com.