Inverness home destroyed by fire; one dog saved, one found deceased; one dog and one cat unaccounted for

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Inverness, Florida — At 1:59 am on Sunday, June 30, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on South Culver Terrace in Inverness due to a reported fire. While firefighters were enroute to the location, it was reported that three or four people and also some pets might possibly be entrapped inside the home.

Fire rescue arrived on scene to find an approximately 3,500 square foot residence fully involved with fire that was showing through the roof.

Neighbors informed officials that the family was in North Carolina; however, three dogs and one cat, were possibly inside the home. The homeowner’s mother arrived on scene later and confirmed the information about the family being out of town and pets possibly being inside the home.

Fire crews were warned about hazards pertaining to the garage door and the location of power lines. A second line was used toward the side of the residence to protect a camper and neighboring residences from damage.

At 2:31 am, the residence was 50% involved with fire. At 2:43 am, the fire was declared under control. Firefighters re-entered the home for mop-up operations that were completed by 5:45 am,

A dog was found alive, under the pool deck in the rear yard. During fire operations, a deceased dog was found and buried at the family's request. No other pets were located.

The power company confirmed that the power was secured at the meter.

The homeowner was contacted and informed fire officials that recent work on the air conditioning system may have contributed to the fire.

The home sustained extensive damage, primarily in the attic and the corner bedroom, with the fire likely starting in the attic space. No suspicious activity was found, and the cause was possibly related to electrical activity from the storm or the home's electrical system. The structure and contents were a total loss. The home was insured through Tower Hill Insurance.

Arrangements were made for the residence to be boarded up and also the assistance of the Red Cross for the home owner. The family’s uncle was shown the location of the dog's burial, and advised of hazards. The scene was turned over to the family’s uncle.

Firefighters from the Hernando, Highlands, Floral City, Kensington, Connell Heights, and Pine Ridge fire stations arrived on scene, along with two rescue units, and the rehab unit from Citrus Springs.

Call 911 to report a fire.

The business office of Citrus County Fire Rescue is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, Florida 34429; business phone: (352) 527-5406. For information about Citrus County Fire Rescue visit its website at www.CitrusCountyFire.com or its social media sites, x.com/CitrusCoFire and Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue.