Resident and dog confirmed dead in Crystal River, FL home fire
Photos courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Crystal River, Florida – At 7:50 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a residence located on North Weewahi Point in Crystal River due to a reported fire that resulted in the death of an occupant of the home, a pet dog, and the total loss of the home by fire.
Fire Station #7 Connell Heights arrived first on scene to find a double wide mobile home 75% involved with fire. As the power was being secured at the breaker panel, bystanders informed first responders that an occupant was likely still inside the residence, based on the presence of a vehicle in the driveway.
Fire crews initiated fire suppression with hose lines and Vent-Enter-Search (VES) operations utilized at the corner windows. The intensity of the fire caused a power line to collapse, which came into contact with a hose line, causing an electrical hazard. Despite these challenges, crews continued aggressive suppression efforts while conducting searches inside the home for occupants. During search efforts, firefighters discovered a deceased dog, but no occupant was found, initially. During mop-up operations, a firefighter located the deceased occupant inside a closet, buried under fire debris, in the room of the main fire.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) and Citrus County Sheriff’s Office crime scene technicians arrived at the home to conduct an official investigation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The last unit cleared the scene at 12:43 pm.
Citrus County Fire Rescue extends its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. It also urges all residents to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes and to develop and practice a fire escape plan. Early detection is crucial to survival as fires can spread rapidly.
For more fire safety tips or to request a smoke alarm installation, please contact Citrus County Fire Rescue at (352) 527-5406.
In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.