Smoke alarm alerts occupants to Crystal River house fire

Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida - At 9:53 am, Tuesday, Dec. 8, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at a W. Seashell Ct., Crystal River residence. The fire was reported by an alarm company; the caller informed fire rescue that they had been alerted to the fire and could hear the smoke detector in the background, and the resident had verified that there was a fire at the residence.

The Engine 3 crew from the Homosassa Fire Station arrived first on scene, at 10:13 am, to find an approximately 660 square foot, double wide mobile home, approximately 25% involved in fire on one side. The homeowner advised firefighters that all the occupants had exited the residence.

A water supply line was established, and a defensive attack was initiated from the exterior. Rescue 7 from Connell Heights Fire Station arrived on scene and made entry to conduct an offensive fire attack inside the home. The power company secured the power, and Ozello Water secured the water main. The homeowner advised Battalion Chief 2 that his smoke detector had alerted him to fire, which he'd noted above the heater, and he'd attempted to extinguish it, but when he was unable to, he'd exited the home.

The fire was determined to be under control at 10:23 am, and crews cleared the scene at 12:29 pm. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the homeowner. Others that assisted with the fire included Engine 20 from Pine Ridge Fire Station, Engine 9 from DeRosa Fire Station, and Chief 3.