Occupant receives burns to hands, arms and face due to cooking fire in Crystal River
Fire photo courtesy of CCFR.
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Crystal River, Florida – Around 11:21 pm on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched to a location on S. Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. Highway 19) in Crystal River due to a reported fire. Due to the report information, assistance was requested of the power company and CCFR Rehab Unit, a team that provides rehabilitation services to firefighters during extended incidents.
First responders arrived at the location to find a single wide mobile home, approximately 50% involved in fire. One occupant had sustained burns to their hands, arms, and face. A rescue unit provided medical care and transported the injured occupant to a burn hospital for further treatment.
The home's power was secured at the main breaker, while fire suppression efforts were initiated. Two searches of the residence located no additional occupants within the home. The fire was determined to be under control at 11:51pm. Mop-up operations were conducted, and the building was turned over to its owner. The last unit cleared the scene at 1:37am.
The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office was notified due to the injuries sustained by the occupant. During a brief conversation, the occupant told officials that they had been cooking with oil when the stove caught fire, a statement that was consistent with the fire damage. No additional injuries were reported.
The structure and its contents were deemed a total loss.
Firefighters from Connell Heights, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Kensington, and Hernando fire stations responded to the scene, along with two rescue units and the rehab unit.
Citrus County Fire Rescue stressed the importance of fire safety in the kitchen. Cooking is a leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries. Please remain attentive while cooking, especially when using oils that can ignite quickly. Remember to keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, and always call 911 if a fire grows beyond your control.
Again, in the event of a fire, dial 9-1-1.
For 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, Florida, and it's non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.