Fire rescue prevents home fire in Homosassa after homeowner hits power pole with tractor
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Homosassa, Florida — At 4:37 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on S. Sonny Terrace in Homosassa, due to a reported electrical hazard.
Fire rescue arrived at the single-story residence to fing no visible smoke or fire. Due to access limitations, the first arriving crew, from the Homosassa Fire Station, had to proceed on foot to the structure.
The property owner informed the crew that there had been electrical arcing from the main power line to the structure after he accidentally struck a power pole with his tractor.
An investigation revealed that the main line conduit on the roof had been pulled slightly away from the structure, causing electrical arcing and damage to the exterior wall. Light smoke was observed coming from the exterior wall near the power meter. Although a dry chemical extinguisher was used, the smoldering continued.
Due to the electrical hazard, fire rescue personnel requested that the power company come to the residence to safely disconnect the power.
At 5:30 pm, the power company arrived and disconnected the power at the pole. After the power was safely disconnected, the wall was opened, and the smoldering embers and electrical cables were extinguished. Firefighters found no further hazards. The last unit cleared the scene at 5:58 pm, and the property was turned over to the owner.
Damages were estimated at $500.
In the media release, Citrus County Fire Rescue stated, "Be aware that equipment should always be at least ten feet away from the power lines and power poles on all sides. Be extra careful when working around trees and brush; they often make it difficult to see power lines. If your equipment does contact a power line, call for help immediately."
Firefighters from the Connell Heights and Homosassa Fire Stations arrived on scene, along with a Safety Captain.
Call 911 to report a fire.
CCFR INFORMATION
Citrus County Fire Rescue's business office is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, Florida 34429; business phone: (352) 527-5406. For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue visit its website at www.CitrusCountyFire.com or its social media sites, x.com/CitrusCoFire and Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue.