Cat dies, one person suffers minor burn in Hernando fire; residents alerted to fire by smoke alarm
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Hernando (Citrus County), Florida – At 9:29 p.m. on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a residence located on W. Massachusetts Street in Hernando due to the report of a fire the caller said had originated in the garage.
Thanks to operational smoke detectors, all the occupants of the home had been alerted to the fire and had safely evacuated the home prior to the arrival of fire crews.
Fire rescue personnel arrived at the location at 9:41 p.m. to find heavy fire showing through the garage roof of a 2,500 square-foot, single-story concrete block residence. Power lines were down at the corner of the home, which initially limited access to parts of the home; however, utility crews quickly resolved the hazard.
Fire crews initiated a coordinated attack to suppress the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further into the home. A hose line was used to target the bulk of the fire in the garage, and a second line was used on flames that had spread to the home's ridge vent. Entry was also made into the home to prevent fire extension into the home.
A search of the residence confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the home. During the search, one cat was found deceased.
Fire crews used approximately 3,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control by 9:51 p.m. After extensive overhaul and mop-up operations were completed, the last unit cleared the scene by 11:57 p.m., when the structure was determined as safe to be turned over to the homeowner.
One person sustained a minor burn injury, but declined to be transported to a medical facility for medical care. The Florida State Fire Marshal was notified of the injury.
According to the homeowner, the fire was caused by gasoline fumes, caused by a gasoline tank being drained, being ignited by a propane space heater that was being used in the garage.
The fire caused extensive damage to the garage, and also damaged three vehicles parked nearby.
Rehabilitation resources and board-up services were provided to assist the homeowner and their family.
According to Citrus County Fire Rescue, the functional smoke detectors played a critical role in alerting the occupants to the fire and preventing further injuries or loss of life. Citrus County Fire Rescue urges residents to exercise extreme caution when working with flammable liquids and gases. Always ensure proper ventilation, avoid open flames or heat sources nearby, and store flammable materials safely to prevent incidents like this.
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, CALL 9-1-1.
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Business Office:
1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.
Crystal River, Florida 34429
Non-Emergency Phone:
(352) 527-5406.
Website:
www.CitrusCountyFire.com
Social Media:
x.com/CitrusCoFire and Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue