Hernando fire contained to barn, with $7,500 in damages
Hernando, Florida — At 2:50 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a barn located on N. Keel Dr. in Hernando due to a reported fire.
Fire rescue arrived on scene to find a 20-feet by 30-feet outbuilding, with smoke showing on the side of the structure and fire visible at the top. The building, located 30 to 40 feet away from the main residence on the property, posed no exposure hazards. A family member secured power at the breaker box located in the garage and provided responders with access to the outbuilding.
Fire personnel brought the fire under control by 3:01 pm. Interior items were isolated to minimize damage. The building was ventilated. Mop-up operations were completed with no hazardous air levels detected within the structure. After overhaul and mop up, the last unit cleared the scene at 4:13 pm.
During the fire investigation, the ignition source was identified as the failure or overheating of the ventilation fan on the barn's side gable. This damage extended into the attic space and down onto some materials in the shed. Damages were estimated at approximately $7,500. The homeowner was advised against reconnecting power to the building until it was inspected by a licensed electrician.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters from the Hernando and Highlands fire stations arrived on scene, along with a rescue unit.
In the event of a fire within Citrus County, Florida, call 911.
For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue visit citruscountyfire.com.