Cigatette ignites Crystal River home fire causing $46,000 in damages
Crystal River, Florida — At 2:08 pm on Monday, April 15, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on N. Ocoee Terrace in Crystal River due to a reported structure fire.
The caller identified himself as the owner of the residence. He said he'd arrived home to a smoke-filled house, that he'd evacuated his pets (dogs) from the home and disconnected the power at the main breaker. He said no one was inside the home.
Firefighters arrived at the location to find a single story residence with light smoke coming from all sides of the home.
Two crew members entered the home and quickly located and extinguished the fire. Burned items were carefully removed from the residence and placed in the front yard.
A thorough check of the attic revealed no signs of fire extension. The rescue unit checked on the dogs who appeared to be unharmed.
The home was ventilated until the residence was deemed clear. Carbon monoxide levels were monitored to ensure safe re-entry into the home.
An investigation determined that the fire was accidental. It originated next to the nightstand, near an ashtray that was found on the floor. It appeared that the fire had ignited a rug and shoes and then spread to the mattress and bed coverings.
The homeowner told authorities that he had smoked, approximately an hour prior too the fire, and he'd disposed of his cigarette butt in the ashtray on the nightstand before leaving the home to go shopping. He stated that the door to the room was left open, granting the dogs access, and it is believed that they inadvertently knocked the ashtray to the floor, igniting the fire.
The fire was brought under control as of 2:31 pm. After overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 3:16 pm. No injuries were reported.
The owner was advised to contact a licensed electrician to conduct an inspection before turning the power back on to the residence. Assistance was offered to and declined by the residents.
Damages are estimated at approximately $46,000.
Fire Rescue advises that you make sure that you completely stub out burning cigarettes - all the way, every time you smoke. Do not walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and cigarette butts to make sure the fire is completely extinguished before you put them into the trash.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Citrus Springs, and Pine Ridge fire stations arrived on scene, along with a rescue unit.
In the event of a fire within Citrus County, call 911.
For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit www.citruscountyfire.com.