Barn fire on N. Perry Dr. in Beverly Hills, FL caused by hot lawn mower

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Beverly Hills, Florida — At 3:20 pm on Monday, July 29, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to N. Perry Dr. in Beverly Hills, Florida, due to a reported barn fire.

First responders arrived at the location at 3:25 pm to find a 30 feet by 30 feet horse barn fully engulfed in flames. Fire attack operations began immediately by the Engine 20 crew from the Pine Ridge Fire Station. As the fire was being assessed and fire operations began, the homeowner informed officials that all occupants and animals had been safely removed from the building.

The fire was declared under control by 3:31 pm. Mop-up and overhaul operations continued until 4:30 pm to ensure complete extinguishment of the fire. During these efforts, power was secured to the barn from an interior breaker panel, and a water supply was secured due to leaking pipes inside the structure. The last unit cleared the scene at 5:17 pm.

The property owner reported that the fire began after he parked a hot lawn mower inside the barn, which likely ignited hay on the floor. An investigation determined that the fire appeared to have started with the recently used and parked lawn mower, and the fire was accidental. Damage to the structure and its contents was estimated at approximately $33,500. No injuries were reported. Post-fire assistance was requested for the property owners.

Citrus County Fire Rescue cautions residents as to the importance of allowing lawn mowers and other equipment to cool down before storing them in enclosed spaces, especially when flammable materials are present.

Firefighters from the Pine Ridge, Hernando, and Connell Heights fire stations responded to the scene, along with a chief officer and a rescue unit.

In the event of a fire, call 911.

For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit its website at www.citruscountyfire.com. Its business office is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River, FL 34429, and its business, non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.