Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to two structure fires early Wednesday morning, successfully preventing major damage at one site while a second property was destroyed.
OFR says that the first incident began at 2:54 a.m. in the 2500 block of SE First Ave. Crews arrived to find a shed with flames spreading to a nearby mobile home.
A shed and a mobile home were damaged in a fire that occurred on the 2500 block of SE First Avenue. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Multiple units responded from OFR. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, conducting thorough searches to confirm no occupants were inside. They say that the residents had safely evacuated before crews arrived.
Just hours later, at approximately 7:04 a.m., OFR received reports of smoke near SW 10th Ave. They say that firefighters investigated and discovered a fully involved structure fire in the 700 block of SW Fifth St. Responding units found heavy flames emerging from the roof of a single-story home.
Photo of the second structure fire involving a single story home at the 700 block of SW Fifth Street.
Firefighters responded to a challenging second structure fire at a residence on the 700 block of SW Fifth Street. Crews encountered heavy flames erupting from the roof of the single-story home. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
The second incident presented additional challenges, according to OFR, with crews having to manage a propane tank and downed power line while fighting the blaze. The propane tank was secured, and firefighters brought the fire under control by 7:23 a.m. OFR reports that the home was unoccupied at the time.
Ocala Fire Rescue crews battled a second structure fire in a single-story home on the 700 block of SW Fifth Street. Heavy flames were visible from the roof.
Ocala Fire Rescue crews battled a second structure fire in a single-story home on the 700 block of SW Fifth Street. Heavy flames were visible from the roof. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Fire Prevention Division, Ocala Police Department, and Ocala Electric Utility. No injuries were reported at either location. Fire Prevention officials are investigating the cause of both fires.
