Homeowner and pet dog displaced by Lecanto fire believed to be electrical
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Lecanto, Florida — At 3:13 am, early Thursday morning, April 18, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a residence located on S. Easy St. in Lecanto due to a reported fire.
Fire rescue personnel arrived at the location to find a double-wide manufactured home with smoke and flames coming from a corner of the home.
Firefighters entered the home by way of the front door, using a handline to the fire. The power was secured at the outside panel and searches were conducted for people inside the home. The power company quickly responded to the scene to disconnect the power.
"The rescue unit provided essential medical and rehabilitation assistance to the homeowner. The homeowner, alerted by their dog and smoke detectors, safely evacuated the premises without injuries," said CCFR spokesperson Cortney Marsh. "However, due to pre-existing medical conditions and the damage to personal medical materials within the residence, medical support was required."
The fire was brought under control as of 3:32 am. After completion of overhaul and mop up operations, the last unit cleared the scene at 7:10 am. The residence was a total loss.
The investigation suggested that an electrical failure in the bedroom was the likely cause of the fire, although the exact cause remains undetermined. The homeowner told fire rescue personnel that the fire had originated in the bedroom, and the extensive damage to the home was concentrated in that area.
Supplemental support was arranged for the homeowner, including lodging assistance and a temporary shelter for the homeowner's pet dog.
Firefighters from the Hernando, Connell Heights, Pine Ridge, Kensington and Highlands fire stations arrived on scene, along with a safety captain and a rescue unit.
For a fire within Citrus County, Florida, call 911.
To learn about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit citruscountyfire.com.