Attentive neighbor saves Homosassa home - extinguishing fire, pulling power breaker
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Homosassa, Florida — At 8:25 am on Saturday, August 3, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on W. Beaumont Ln. in Homosassa, due to a reported fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel discovered a 2000 square-foot, double-wide mobile home with no visible smoke or flames. A neighbor informed fire rescue personnel that he had already extinguished the fire using a garden hose.
Using a thermal imaging camera (TIC), a fire crew verified normal temperatures around the affected area, which ensured there were no hidden hotspots. The neighbor, who played a crucial role in preventing further damage, reported that he saw the power box near the air conditioning unit catch fire, and immediately pulled the power breaker to the home.
The incident appeared to have originated near the air conditioning unit adjacent to the power box, causing minor fire damage and melting some of the home's siding. Fortunately, no structural damage was observed, and the fire was confirmed to be completely extinguished upon arrival. As a precaution, the power to the home was secured at the breaker panel.
The homeowner, who was out of state at the time, was contacted by phone and informed of the situation. He agreed to keep the power off until the necessary electrical repairs are completed.
Units remained on the scene to gather information and maintain communication with the homeowner. No injuries were reported. The last unit cleared the scene at 8:47 am.
Citrus County Fire Rescue commends the neighbor for his quick and effective actions in containing the fire, thereby preventing potentially significant damage, and cautions residents to exercise caution around electrical systems and to report any suspicious activity or potential hazards immediately.
Firefighters from the Connell Heights and Homosassa fire stations responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit.
In the event of a fire, call 911.