Levy and Citrus county firefighters fight Inglis house fire likely started by unattended burning candles

Citrus County Fire Rescue

Inglis (Citrus County), Florida — At 10:34 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on W. River Road, in the Citrus County area of Inglis, due to a reported fire.

While firefighters from Crystal River, Florida were approaching the fire from the south, a large black column of smoke was visible from U.S. Highway 19 and the Barge Canal. south of the location, so the battalion chief requested mutual aid from Levy County Fire Rescue, due to the location being adjacent to Levy County, Florida. Additional resources were also requested of the power company and rehab services.

First responders from both counties arrived at the location to find a two-story residence, constructed of a wood frame and concrete block, approximately 50% involved with fire that was visible on three sides of the home on both floors.

A hose line was used to the front side of the home as the fire was assessed. Fire was present throughout the entire second floor and approximately 30% of the first floor. The power was secured at the main breaker on the side of the home. The homeowner, who was on the scene, informed fire rescue that no people and no pets were inside the home.

Entry into the home was made through a side door. The fires were extinguished on both floors and the attic. A water shuttle ensured that a continuous water supply was available. After extinguishment and mop-up operations were completed, the last unit cleared the scene at 2:56 pm.

The homeowner reported that he was outside doing yard work for about 30 minutes before he noticed the fire. He told officials that candles and incense were burning on the windowsills of an upstairs bedroom, which was consistent with initial findings at the scene. The homeowner confirmed that the residence was insured, and there had been no recent construction or electrical issues.

The fire was determined to be unintentional, with an estimated 80% loss of the home due to the fire. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office arrived on scene to conduct a more detailed investigation, which was ongoing at the time of the CCFR press release.

No injuries were reported. Disaster recovery assistance was requested, and the requested entities responded to the scene to assist the homeowner.

Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds everyone to blow out any burning candle when you leave a room, leave your home, or go to bed, and to consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and appear like a real candle.

Citrus County Fire Rescue extended its gratitude to Levy County Fire Rescue. for its swift, coordinated response, which prevented further damage and ensured the safety of all personnel involved. Firefighters from Citrus County's Connell Heights, Homosassa, Derosa, Citrus Springs, Kensington, Hernando and Highlands fire stations also responded to the scene, along with two rescue units.

In the event of a fire, call 911.

For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit www.citruscountyfire.com. Its business office location is 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429, and it's non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.