Lecanto fire may have started due to dog pawing at leftover items on stovetop; no injuries reported

Citrus County Fire Rescue

Lecanto, Florida – At approximately 4:46 am on Friday, October 25, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a home located on W. Wind Breeze Court in Lecanto due to reports of a fire that indicated heavy fire involvement. First responders arrived at the location to find an approximately 4,000 square-foot, two-story home fully engulfed in flames.

The homeowner and his dog were already safely outside the home. Emergency medical services were on site, along with a Rescue unit from the Sugarmill Woods fire station, to monitor the homeowner’s health.

A defensive attack was promptly initiated. The gas supply was cut off, and the power was secured by the utility company. Due to the fire’s intensity and the remote location of the home, three tankers were used to supplement firefighting efforts. As the fire progressed, the second story of the residence collapsed into the first. Following the fire's suppression, searches were conducted to find no occupants or animals inside the home. The last unit cleared the scene at 9:42 am.

According to information provided by the homeowner, the fire was likely unintentional, possibly triggered by the homeowner’s dog, who may have inadvertently turned on the stove while pawing at items left on the stovetop.

No injuries were reported.

The home and its contents were a total loss. 1-800-BOARDUP assisted fire rescue with securing the property after the fire and assisting the displaced homeowner with resources.

This incident underscores the importance of practicing safe habits around cooking equipment and securing unattended appliances. Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds residents to ensure that stovetops are free of items, and to check that knobs are in the "off" position when not in use.

Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa, Sugarmill Woods, Kensington, Hernando, Citrus Springs and Pine Ridge fire stations responded to the scene, along with a rescue unit, and the rehab unit from Citrus Springs

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; it's non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.