Lightning strike sparks fire to Beverly Hills home in which 3 pets die and losses estimated at $413K
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Sun - July 6, 2025
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Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Beverly Hills, Florida – On Friday evening, July 4, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a residence located on W. Birds Nest Drive in Beverly Hills, due to a major fire caused by a lightning strike during a severe storm.
Engine 20 from the Pine Ridge Fire Station arrived first on scene to find a two-story wood-frame home approximately 75% involved in fire. A resident met firefighters in the driveway to inform them that all the occupants of the home had safely exited the home, although several pets remained inside the home.
The Engine 20 crew established a water supply using a nearby hydrant, as additional units from various fire stations arrived to assist with interior suppression, overhaul, and salvage operations.
Crews rescued two cats and one dog from the hone, but one dog and two birds were found deceased inside the home.
Duke Energy arrived on scene to secure the power by removing the meter. Firefighters continued extensive mop-up efforts, bringing the fire under control by 9:30 p.m. Fire crews remained on site to ensure complete extinguishment and assist the homeowner with retrieving personal belongings.
The homeowner reported hearing a loud popping noise from the garage area before discovering the garage fully engulfed in flames. The garage, which contained solar panels and a 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck, appeared to be the point of the fire's origin. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike-induced electrical failure.
Estimated losses, which included the home, its contents, and the vehicle, totaled approximately $413,000.
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.
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