Homosassa home fire under investigation; $36,000 in damages; no injuries

~ Overhaul efforts complicated by hoarding conditions. ~

Citrus County Fire Rescue

Homosassa, Florida — At 8:24 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on S. Bob White Dr. in Homosassa, due to a reported fire.

First responders found a single wide mobile home with flames visible from the front door and roof, primarily concentrated on the side of the home, with approximately 50% of the home involved with fire.

The homeowner reported that all occupants had made it safely out of the home. Searches soon verified this.

The electrical power was disconnected at the exterior breaker box. When the power company arrived on scene, the power was disconnected at the utility pole in the yard.

A defensive attack was initiated; when sufficient personnel were on scene, firefighting transitioned to an offensive attack. Due to the hoarding conditions inside the home, with debris waist-high in many areas, overhaul efforts were extensive. Interior crews worked diligently to extinguish the remaining hot spots and clear debris. After the fire was brought under control at 9:28 pm, contact was made with the homeowner to gather additional information.

The homeowner declined assistance from 1-800-Board-Up and the Red Cross, stating that she had made alternate housing arrangements.

Damages were estimated at approximately $36,000.

The homeowner told officials that she'd left the residence around 5:00 pm to go shopping and later had dinner at a neighbor's house. Upon returning home, she discovered smoke inside the living room and kitchen, she exited her home and immediately called 911. She denied the presence of pets, candles, or any cooking activity that day, and stated that the only powered item in the home was a kitchen light. She said there had been no recent construction or electrical issues.

The Florida State Fire Marshal arrived on scene to conduct a detailed investigation.

All remaining units left the scene at 12:26 am (September 13, 2024).

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

In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.

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