Inverness resident receives minor injuries extinguishing kitchen cooking fire

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Inverness, Florida – About 12:40 pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on N. Payne Terrace in Inverness due to a reported fire.

First responders arrived at the location to find an approximately 1,500 square foot concrete block home with light smoke coming from the front door. The homeowner told fire rescue that all the home's occupants had already exited the structure.

The fire had already been extinguished by the homeowner. A thermal imaging camera (TIC) was used to ensure that the fire was fully out. Firefighters determined that no hot spots remained. Firefighters isolated the kitchen breakers, mitigating any electrical hazards. The home was ventilated. The fire was out at 12:43 pm. The property had no working smoke alarms, so fire personnel installed two new smoke detectors. The last unit cleared the scene at 3:00 pm.

The fire originated in the kitchen and involved cooking oil. The Florida State Fire Marshal will assist in the investigation. An occupant of the home sustained minor burns while attempting to extinguish the fire; he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. Victim advocate services were requested for the home's occupants. Damages were estimated at approximately $4,000.

Citrus County Fire Rescue stresses the importance of fire safety and having working smoke detectors in your home. The quick action of the occupants and the prompt response of fire crews helped minimize damages. If you need assistance with your smoke alarms, contact Citrus County Fire Rescue headquarters at (352) 527-5406.

Firefighters from the Hernando and Kensington fire stations responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit.

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