Crystal River fire deemed accidental, likely due to an eletrical malfunction
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Crystal River, Florida — At 5:11 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Crystal River, due to a reported fire.
Fire rescue arrived on scene to find a 1,400 square foot single wide mobile home with an addition, approximately 25% involved with fire.
No significant hazards were found. The utilities were secured at the power pole until the power company arrived on scene to secure the power.
Incoming units protected a shed, that according to an initial report, contained several gas cans. A defensive attack was established on the home until the fire could be sufficiently contained. Once the fire was under control, crews made entry into the home to conduct searches; no occupants were located.
The fire was brought under control as of 5:31 pm. After overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 7:12 pm.
No injuries were reported. Damages were estimated at approximately $119,000. Lodging assistance was requested for the tenant.
According to the homeowner and tenant, the fire was initially observed in the living room near the wall-mounted air conditioning unit, which is the area where the bulk of the fire was concentrated when emergency units arrived on scene.
The tenant told fire rescue personnel that the wall-mounted air conditioning unit was the sole electrical appliance in that area of the house. According to a CCFR press release, based on this information, with the absence of any suspicious circumstances, the investigation determined that the fire began accidentally, likely the result of an electrical malfunction.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Homosassa, DeRosa, Pine Ridge, Kensington and Citrus Springs fire stations arrived on scene, along with a safety captain and the rehab unit from the Citrus Springs Fire Station.
For a fire within Citrus County, Florida. dial 911 on your phone. For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit www.citruscountyfire.com.