One person injured in Lecanto garage fire, neighbor reported hearing an explosion
Photos courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Lecanto, Florida — At 8:40 am on Saturday, August 3, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. Crepe Myrtle Pt. in Lecanto due to a significant garage fire that was identified by the crew of the Hernando Fire Station Engine 5 as it was returning to the fire station from a previous call. The crew noticed a large column of black smoke, found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the house, and the garage was fully involved in fire. The home's occupants were outside attempting to control the fire with a garden hose.
One person on scene had burn injuries and was transferred to a rescue unit for treatment and transportation to a trauma hospital. The person's injuries and condition was not stated in the press release.
The crew began fire suppression efforts from the front of the residence. Meanwhile, a search of the residence revealed that no occupants were inside the home. The fire was brought under control within five minutes. The power company, Duke Energy, secured the electricity, and the gas was shut off at the meter. Mop-up operations continued, and the attic was ventilated to clear it of light smoke.
A resident of the home reported that her son had alerted her to the fire in the garage, and after he attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose and a fire extinguisher, he entered the home to awaken his family to evacuate the home. A neighbor reported hearing a large explosion and contacting the gas company before evacuating the neighboring home.
Additional fire units responded to the home to assist with ventilation and other operations. The Red Cross and additional victim advocate services were requested to support the displaced family of three adults and two children. The State Fire Marshal arrived at the scene to conduct a detailed investigation, and at 1:09 pm, the scene was handed over to the State Fire Marshal. The last unit cleared the scene at 1:55 pm.
Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds residents as to the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms and having a fire escape plan. The quick actions of fire crews and the support of their community partners were crucial in managing this incident effectively.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Highlands, Kensington, Connell Heights and Pine Ridge fire stations responded to the scene, along with two rescue units.
In the event of a fire, call 911.