Inverness mobile home destroyed by fire, likely caused by space heater

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Inverness (Citrus County), Florida – At 1:30 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. East Ave. in Inverness, due to a reported fire.

First responders with the Inverness Highlands Fire Station #8 were first to arrive at the location, at 1:36 pm, to find a single-wide mobile home, already 80% involved in heavy fire and smoke. The Station #8 crew deployed a preconnected line to begin the initial attack, while units from other fire stations assisted in defensive operations, bringing the fire under control by 1:43 pm. A nearby hydrant facilitated an efficient water supply. Overhaul operations concluded at 2:46 pm, and the last unit cleared the scene at 3:36 pm. The power company also arrived on scene and secured the home's electricity.

Despite the rapid response and coordinated firefighting efforts, the residence and its contents were deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported to the resident or firefighters.

Citrus County Fire Rescue personnel assisted the home's occupant to retrieve items from the home before deeming the structure unsafe for reentry. The Red Cross and 1-800 Board Up were contacted to assist the displaced resident with recovery and temporary shelter.

The home's occupant reported to officials that she had left a space heater running in the living room while visiting her mother, who lives nearby, and when she returned home, found smoke billowing from the home and flames spreading rapidly. Although she attempted to open the front door to allow her pets to escape, she retreated to safety and did not require medical attention. No mention was made as to the condition of the resident's pets.

A preliminary investigation identified the space heater as the likely cause of the fire, with the most significant damage originating in the area where it was placed.

Citrus County Fire Rescue urges residents, when temperatures drop, to exercise caution when using space heaters and other heating devices. Always keep heaters at least three feet away from combustible material, to never leave space heaters unattended, and to install smoke detectors in your home and make sure they are functioning properly.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, CALL 9-1-1.

Citrus County Fire Rescue Contact Information
Business Office Location: 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