Early morning fire in Crystal River caused by extension cord on patio
Photos courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Crystal River, Florida – At 12:32 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a residence located on W. Bass Lake Rd. in Crystal River, due to a reported fire. The first unit arrived at the location to find a 1,800 square-foot, single-story home with heavy fire showing from the front of the residence.
Firefighters were informed by the home's occupants that everyone, including pets, had safely exited the home.
Crews discovered an active power line that was arcing near the front-left corner of the home, with flames in close proximity to the home.
The fire had originated on the home's outdoor patio and had quickly spread into the living room and kitchen. A hose line was deployed to attack the fire from the front, while entry into the home was made through a sliding glass door on the right side of the home to begin interior fire suppression and conduct a search of the home, with no one found inside.
Support operations included a water supply, of which approximately 2,500 gallons were used, along with Class A foam; medical and rehab units, a secondary search of the home, which located no one inside the home; fireground safety and overhaul. The fire was fully extinguished; overhaul and cleanup efforts were completed before the final units cleared the scene at 2:44 a.m.
The homeowner reported returning home, earlier in the evening, and relaxing on the patio before heading to bed around 11:00 p.m. Roughly 90 minutes later, he awakened to see an orange glow near a sliding door and the patio on fire. Attempts to extinguish the flames were unsuccessful, due to damage to the home’s well system and loss of water pressure.
The fire investigation determined that the fire was accidental, originating from an extension cord setup on the patio that was powering a TV, small refrigerator and lighting. The fire spread quickly, due to the large amount of lumber used in the patio’s construction.
Victim advocate services were contacted to assist the home's residents.
Fire damages were estimated at $92,000.
Safety Tip:
Extension cords are not designed for permanent use, and should never serve as a substitute for proper wiring. Always use weather-rated outlets outdoors, and avoid overloading power strips with multiple appliances
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