Fire near AC handler causes smoke damage to Inverness home

Citrus County, Florida - At 8:27 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 1, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a fire at a S. Mohican Trail, Inverness residence. The caller advised that there was smoke throughout the house, and all the occupants had already exited the residence.

The Engine 5 crew from the Hernando Fire Station arrived first on scene at 8:47 pm to find a single-story, double wide manufactured home with no flames, but light smoke showing. Firefighters found charring and damage to the side of the home near the air conditioning handler, along with a melted GFI outlet near the air conditioner unit.

Firefighters immediately made entry into the home and extinguished all hot spots. The main breaker to the residence was secured. The power company, SECO, arrived on scene and pulled the meter. The fire was called under control at 9:05 pm, and crews cleared the scene at 10:01 pm. Overhaul was completed, and the home was ventilated.

A walk through was completed with the homeowner, who was advised to have a licensed electrician inspect and repair the electrical system prior to having the power turned on.

No injuries were reported. The occupants of the residence were offered, but declined, assistance by the Red Cross.

Others assisting with firefighting efforts included Battalion Chief 1, Squad 23 from Kensington Fire Station and Tanker 8 from Highlands Fire Station.