Dunnellon car fire extends into home on N. Spaulding Dr.

Dunnellon, Florida - At 4:29 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a residence located on N. Spaulding Dr. in Dunnellon, with the report of a truck on fire under a carport. While enroute to the fire, the Engine 14 crew from the Citrus Springs Fire Station was advised that the truck was next to the house, and the house was now on fire.

The Engine 14 crew arrived first on scene, at 4:36 pm, to find an approximately 1500 square foot home with flames and light smoke showing. Firefighters began extinguishment of the vehicle and carport after confirming that all occupants of the home were out of the residence. The Engine 20 crew from Pine Ridge Fire Station arrived on scene and searched the home to find no occupants inside, and checked the interior walls and ceilings for fire extension. The flames from the vehicle and to the exterior of the home were extinguished, and a ventilation fan was set up and used to clear the house of residual smoke. The fire was determined to be under control at 4:49 pm, and crews cleared the scene at 6:15 pm.

No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was notified and provided with all the occupant’s information to aid. The power company removed the meter from the residence.

The homeowner advised firefighters that she had arrived home and parked her truck next to the house, under the carport, and a short time later, she heard the truck horn sounding. She said she went outside and saw a fire to the truck's engine compartment, contacted 911, and then attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose.

Due to the proximity of the vehicle to the house, the fire extended to the residence and caused damage to the exterior and the attic area.

Other personnel and fire stations that responded to the scene included Battalion Chief 2, a Safety Captain, Engine 5 from Hernando, Engine 9 from DeRosa, and Engine 20 from Pine Ridge.