Inverness electrical fire damages garage and causes smoke damage inside home

Citrus County Fire Rescue

Inverness, Florida – At 11:36 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched to a residence located on E. Commercial Lane in Inverness due to a reported fire.

The Engine 5 crew from the Hernando fire station arrived first on scene at 11:42 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage of a single-story block home.

Firefighters deployed hose lines and had water on the fire at 11:44 a.m. The blaze was brought under control by 11:52 a.m. through a coordinated response between Citrus County Fire Rescue and the City of Inverness Fire Department. Crews made an aggressive attack that contained the fire to the garage, preventing it from spreading into the living areas of the home.

The homeowner’s brother, who was on the property at the time of the fire, reported that he'd heard an explosion before discovering the fire in the garage. He immediately exited the home with two dogs and called 911. While investigators confirmed that the home had working smoke detectors, it was unclear whether or not the smoke detectors were heard prior to the explosion.

An investigation determined the fire originated in the garage near the electrical breaker panel and a set of lithium-ion battery chargers. The fire was ruled accidental, likely the result of an electrical malfunction involving the home’s electrical system, charging equipment, or nearby appliances.

The garage sustained heavy fire damage, while the interior of the home and most of its contents were spared, sustaining smoke damage only.

The Red Cross was contacted to assist two adults displaced by the fire. The home was insured, and no injuries were reported.

CCFR Safety Message:
       Smoke alarms save lives.
Even though it is unclear whether they were heard in this incident, having functioning smoke alarms provides the earliest warning and best chance for survival in a fire. Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly.
       Electrical Safety Reminder:
       Avoid overloading outlets or charging lithium-ion batteries unattended. Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and keep them on hard, non-flammable surfaces away from combustible materials.

If you need assistance installing smoke alarms, Citrus County Fire Rescue offers free smoke alarms and installation. Call (352) 527-5406 to schedule an appointment.

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.