Hernando, FL home restroyed by August 7 fire believed to be caused by lightening

At 3:14 pm on Friday afternoon, August 7, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at a N. Wiley Post Way, Hernando, Florida residence. Engine 5 from the Hernando Fire Station arrived first on scene at 3:26 pm to find an approximately 4,000 square foot, two-story wood frame and concrete block home, 50% involved in fire. The person who reported the fire described seeing lightning strike the second story of the home prior to seeing the flames and smoke.

Crews made an aggressive defensive attack until the bulk of the fire was knocked down, and as quickly as possible, a search was conducted of the home's interior, and firefighters determined that no occupants were inside the home. Duke Energy arrived quickly to remove the home's meter.

The fire was called under control at 4:37 pm. After an extensive mop-up and overhaul, crews cleared the scene at 10:30 pm. No injuries were reported. The structure was deemed a total loss. The Florida State Fire Marshal was contacted to investigate the fire.

Other fire stations that assisted Hernando with the fire included Pine Ridge, Citrus Springs, DeRosa, Kensington, and Highlands.