Probable electrical fire damages W. Chata Pl., Crystal River home

~ Smoke alarm alerted resident; vegetation and hoarding conditions hampered fire rescue ~

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Crystal River, Florida – At 11:23 p.m. on Thursday night, May 29, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a residence located on West Chata Place in Crystal River due to a reported fire.

Fire rescue arrived at the location to find smoke showing from a roof vent and heavy vegetation surrounding the property, which obstructed access to the property. Fire rescue personnel had to open a gate and remove debris in order to gain entry to the property.

Once inside the 4,000 square feet, concrete block home, fire crews encountered heavy smoke and hoarding conditions, which significantly hampered visibility and movement. Fire and search operations were initiated, and the blaze was contained. After the fire was brought under control at 11:54 p.m., ventilation operations were established outside the home's front entry, and fire crews assisted with salvage efforts. The last unit cleared the scene at 1:05 a.m. The home's power was secured by fire crews and later by the power company, at the meter.

It appeared that the fire originated in a kitchen within an in-law-type suite. The fire was reported as an electrical fire, and multiple small appliances were found in the fire's area of origin. The estimated loss of the home and its contents was estimated at $83,000.

The resident declined victim assistance services, informing officials that they had a safe place where they could stay. The home and property was turned over to the property owner after the fire was fully extinguished and the area was deemed safe.

Functioning smoke alarms alerted the homeowner to the fire, enabling them to safely evacuate the home.

According to fire rescue, this incident serves as a reminder as to the importance of having working smoke alarms, and also of maintaining unobstructed access to your home for emergency responders. Overgrown vegetation and excessive clutter can delay rescue and suppression efforts. Keeping driveways clear and walkways unobstructed helps save valuable seconds when every moment counts.