Homosassa shed fire quickly contained with minimal damage to surrounding property and no injuries

Photo courtesy of CCFR.

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Homosassa, Florida – At 5:51 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded W. Pershing Drive in Homosassa due to a reported fire

Engine 3 from the Homosassa fire station arrived first on scene to find a shed fully engulfed in flames, behind a back corner of a residence.

By 5:58 p.m., a hose line was used to place water on the fire, which was quickly knocked down. Cews began mop-up operations within minutes.

Squad 7 from Connell Heights assisted with overhaul, and all other responding fire rescue units were canceled. Firefighters made sure there was no fire extension or carbon monoxide hazard to the main residence before allowing the residents to safely reenter their home. The last unit cleared the scene at 6:58 p.m.

The homeowner told firefighters that he had recently purchased a torch that he'd tested on a piece of cardboard near the shed. Believing the fire was extinguished, he'd gone back inside the home and later returned outside to find the shed on fire. He said he'd not been injured, but he thought that two cats may have been inside the shed. However, no cat was located inside the shed.

The intense heat from the shed fire caused minor damage to surrounding property, which included a vehicle with front-end damage, the home’s back porch, which sustained charring and damage to the electrical meter and panel; and window blinds to a neighboring home that were melted by radiant heat.

The electric company was contacted to address the damaged electrical meter. After a full safety check, the residence was turned back over to the homeowner.

Safety Message from Citrus County Fire Rescue

Be fire smart when using torches, grills, or any open flame outdoors:
• Use heat-producing tools only on nonflammable surfaces.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.
• Never leave an area until you're certain the fire is fully out.

A small oversight can lead to serious property damage or injury.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, CALL 9-1-1.

Citrus County Fire Rescue Contact Information

Business Office Location: 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.. Crystal River, Florida 34429;
Non-Emergency Phone: (352) 527-5406.
Website:  www.CitrusCountyFire.com
Social Media:  x.com/CitrusCoFire and  Facebook.com/CitrusCountyFireRescue.