Swift actions by the staff at an Ocala assisted living facility, coupled with fire suppression from a sprinkler system, diffused what could’ve been a tragic situation early Thursday morning.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded at 4:42 a.m. to reports of a commercial structure fire alarm at Ocala Cluster Facility, located in the 3200 block of SE 17 Street. While en route, firefighters were told that residents were being evacuated because light smoke was evident inside the facility, an Ocala Fire Rescue report states.
Upon arrival at the single-story, multi-unit residential structure, fire crews found moderate smoke showing. After making entry into the building, firefighters identified an active sprinkler head in the attic. Pulling ceiling tiles, crews gained access to the sprinkler head and verified the fire had been extinguished, the report says, adding that firefighters also ventilated the building to remove the smoke.
“The urgency with which the facility’s staff evacuated residents was essential to minimizing the effects of this fire call,” Battalion Chief Richie Lietz said. “Thanks to their prompt action, not only were multiple bedridden residents out of harm’s way before our arrival, but they avoided smoke inhalation and trauma from experiencing a fire.”
A building inspector was called to the scene to assess the integrity of the structure. No other injuries were reported. And Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to offer assistance, the report says.