W. Cardinal St., Homosassa fire under investigation; resident injured, one bird dead, and three cats missing
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
Homosassa, Florida – At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a residence located on W. Cardinal Street in Homosassa due to a reported fire.
The first unit arrived at the home at 11:37 a.m. to find heavy smoke showing from a 750 square foot, single-story, wood frame, double wide manufactured home.
Fire command noted fire in the main living area and back porch. A line was advanced through the front door for an interior attack, and a secondary line was deployed to the rear of the home to suppress the porch fire. Crews contained the fire before it spread further into the home.
The sole occupant of the home was outside when fire rescue arrived on scene. She was evaluated by Rescue 3 from the Homosassa fire station before being transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Prior to being transported to the hospital for medical care, she advised fire command that she'd heard a popping sound near the dryer at the rear of the house prior to observing flames on the back porch.
The homeowner confirmed, that while no one remained inside the home, one bird and three cats were still inside the home. Fire crews recovered the bird, who was deceased, but no cats were located.
Searches of the home were conducted by multiple crews. Crews also performed extensive overhaul, pulling the ceiling in the main living area and side of the structure to access and extinguish any fire in the attic space. Positive pressure ventilation was utilized to clear the remaining smoke from the residence.
Victim advocate services were contacted to assist the displaced homeowner.
A total of 1,014 gallons of water were used to fully extinguish the fire. Damage to the home and contents was estimated at $55,000. No smoke detectors were found in the residence.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. The scene was turned over to the Florida State Fire Marshal upon his arrival.
Citrus County Fire Rescue reminds all residents of the importance of installing and regularly testing smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on each level of a home. Working smoke alarms save lives.