Fire contained to rear storeroom at Sonny’s BBQ in Inverness
Photo courtesy of Citrus County Fire Rescue.
Citrus County, Florida - At 12:23 pm on Saturday, February 20, Citrus County Fire Rescue received a report of a fire at Sonny’s BBQ, and was dispatched to its location on Trout Ave. in Inverness, Florida.
The Engine 24 crew from the Floral City Fire Station and the Engine 2 crew from the City of Inverness Fire Station arrived on scene within 4 minutes, at 12:27 pm to find heavy black smoke coming from the rear of the building. Firefighters used an offensive attack and began extinguishment of the fire, while all the occupants of the building were safely evacuated.
The fire was brought under control within 11 minutes of the arrival of firefighters, at 12:38 pm. Engine 8 crew members from the Highlands Fire Station searched the building to ensure all occupants had exited it. Ventilation of the interior was set in place with two positive pressure ventilation fans. Engine 5 crew members from the Hernando Fire Station conducted a second search, to find no occupants inside the building, and also checked for fire extension.
Most of the damage was contained to the electrical systems and a rear storeroom that contained a smoker unit. Duke Energy and Florida Public Utilities arrived on scene. The gas was turned off at the meter, and the main power was turned off at the breaker.
After extinguishment, a gas monitor was utilized to check the building for carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and all levels were found to be within normal limits. The business owner was informed that the facility must be shut down until clearned to reopen by the Florida Department of Health. Crews cleared the scene at 1:31 pm. No injuries were reported.
Other personnel and fire stations that assisted with the fire included Battalion Chief 1, Tower 1 from the Kensington Fire Station, Chief 1, and Safety Captain 102.
Social media information for Citrus County Fire Rescue includes its website, www.citruscountyfire.com; Facebook @Citrus County Fire Rescue, and Twitter @citruscofire; or contact the department by phone at 352-527-5406.