Firefighters extinguish mobile home fire in Dunnellon, intentionally set by property owner

Photos courtesy of CCFR.

Citrus County Fire Rescue cautions residents:
"Burning structures is illegal and dangerous"

Dunnellon (Citrus County), Florida – On Saturday, January 4, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) units responded to a home on N. Singapore Ave. in Dunnellon, due to a reported fire at the location.

The Engine 9 crew from the DeRosa Fire Station was dispatched to the location at 6:17 pm, and was the first unit to arrive at the home, at 6:28 pm, to find what was initially believed to be a 1,000 square foot wood frame home - later determined to be a 1,440 square foot double wide mobile home - fully engulfed in flames.

According to a CCFR press release, "Fire personnel observed several adults standing nearby, appearing unbothered by the fire...A male on the scene admitted to intentionally setting the fire to dispose of the old structure, stating he had created a fire break around the building and moved all belongings to a newer home approximately 100 feet away."

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office personnel verified that the individual on scene was indeed the property owner.

Despite objections from the property owner, Engine 9 personnel initiated a defensive attack with a handline, to extinguish the fire and prevent further hazards. Additional units arrived on scene to assist with firefighting operations, provide water shuttles, and assist with overhaul.

Approximately 11,000 gallons of water and 20 gallons of Class A foam were used to fully extinguish the fire.

The last unit cleared the scene at 8:55 pm, and the scene was turned over to the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office which had responded to the scene to investigate the fire.

No injuries were reported of civilians or firefighters.

Units assisting Engine 9 included Tanker 20 from Pine Ridge, Tanker 5 from Hernando, and Squad 7 from Connell Heights.

Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds all residents that it is both illegal and unsafe to burn structures for disposal. Such actions pose serious risks to life, property, and the environment. Proper demolition and disposal must follow legal and regulated processes to ensure safety and compliance with local laws.

“This incident highlights the importance of adhering to legal procedures for structure removal,” said Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens. “Our priority is to protect lives and prevent hazardous situations.”

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, CALL 9-1-1.

Citrus County Fire Rescue
Business Office:
       1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.
       Crystal River, Florida 34429
Non-Emergency Phone:
       (352) 527-5406.
Website:
       www.CitrusCountyFire.com
Social Media:
       x.com/CitrusCoFire and  Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue