Homosassa residence, vacated due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, catches fire after power restored
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Homosassa, Florida – About 9:29 am on Sunday, September 29, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a vacant residence located on S. Mason Creek Rd. in Homosassa, due a 911 call from a passerby who noticed smoke coming from the roof.
First responders arrived at the location to find an approximately 1,500 square-foot, single-floor residential home, with no fire visible. The passerby told officials that they'd seen smoke through the windows.
Inside the residence, a crew found heavy smoke. The source of the fire was located in a single room located on the side of the structure. With a handline, the fire was knocked down by 9:44 am.
No occupants were located inside the home. Doors were opened, and burning debris was removed from the home. A second search confirmed there were no further hazards to the home. The last unit cleared the scene at 10:44 am.
An investigation revealed that the home was vacant following Hurricane Helene, having taken on four feet of water. A local power official told fire command that the residence had recently had its power restored. The fire originated from the rear of a refrigerator, likely caused by the electrical system malfunctioning due to the flooding and subsequent power restoration.
No injuries were reported. Damages are estimated at approximately $15,000.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa and Sugarmill Woods fire stations responded to the scene, along with two rescue units.
In the event of a fire, dial 9-1-1.
For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit its website at www.citruscountyfire.com. Its business office is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River, Florida, and it's non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.