Inverness fire where man found dead under investigation
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Inverness, Florida — A fire at an Inverness residence where the home's only occupant, a male, was found deceased is under investigation by Citrus County Fire Rescue and being led by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire is unknown, and the name of the deceased person has not yet been released, pending notification of the person's family.
At 5:59 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on E. Live Oak Lane, due to a report of a possible fire. Firefighters arrived at the residence to find an approximately 1,000 square foot, single-story home 50% involved in fire on the right side, with the front obscured by trees and debris.
Neighbors informed officials that a man was possibly in the rear yard, but no one was found.
Heavy smoke and fire conditions were found throughout the home, with significant debris blocking pathways, making movement and visibility difficult. A thermal imaging camera (TIC) was used to identify high temperatures in the next room and beyond, indicating active fire. Due to the high heat and restricted access caused by the tongue and groove ceiling, a crew was advised to back out of the area. They retreated to the front door, awaiting further support, which arrived, along with an additional water supply. Crews reentered the residence, cutting access holes into the attic space and flowing water into the attic, encountering heavy smoke and some fire. As the air supply depleted, crews exited the home and reported to the on-scene rehab unit.
During firefighting operations, an exterior bonfire was discovered at the property next door, which was quickly extinguished. No one was found at the secondary fire location.
The house fire was declared under control at 6:15 pm. During a secondary search at 6:36 pm, firefighters discovered a deceased man inside a room on the right side of the home. The discovery prompted immediate notification of the State Fire Marshal and on-call fire administrators. The scene was secured for the investigation. All fire operations were completed by 1:02 am on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Always evacuate immediately and call 911 at the first sign of fire or smoke.
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.