Crystal River home fire on N. Country Club Dr. likely caused by faulty light wiring
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Crystal River, Florida – At 7:42 am on Saturday morning, January 18, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a residence located on N. Country Club Dr. in Crystal River due to a report of smoke being seen coming from the home's roof.
The first unit arrived at the location at 7:50 a.m. to find a single-story, 3,400 square foot concrete block home with light smoke coming from the attic vent on the side of the home. First responders found four people inside the home, unaware of the fire. Crews alerted the residents to the smoke, and all four exited the home without injuries.
Firefighters extinguished a small attic fire that originated in the master bathroom, caused by old, faulty wiring to a heat lamp type ceiling light. Due to the absence of an attic access point, crews removed the ceiling around the light to expose and extinguish the fire, which caused significant charring to two roof trusses, with one truss burned completely through.
The fire was under control by 8:08 a.m. Firefighters monitored the air quality in the home, which was deemed safe following suppression efforts. Duke Energy removed the electric meter as a precaution, and the homeowner was advised to contact a licensed electrician to address the damaged wiring. All units cleared the scene by 9:01 a.m.
The damage to the home and its content was estimated at $12,000.
No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.
Citrus County Fire rescue stresses the importance of regular inspections of electrical fixtures, especially those that involve heat; they should be replaced if outdated or damaged. Faulty wiring is a common cause of residential fires. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced at least every 6 months. Residents should implement an escape plan with a clear escape route from their home in the event of an emergency.
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, CALL 9-1-1.
Citrus County Fire Rescue Contact Information:
Business Office Location: 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