The Ocala Fire Rescue is warning the community that “mild” weather conditions are never assurances that disaster won’t strike.
This week, when Tropical Storm Elsa passed through and the team fielded multiple calls, including one incident in which a tree fell through power lines.
On Wednesday, July 7, Ocala Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a confined space call at the 900 block of NE 20th Street.
Crews found a large water oak draped across power lines in the front yard of a single-story home.
The oak’s trunk had fallen into the roof of the home.
The incident was attributed to weather from Tropical Storm Elsa, according to a Facebook post from the Ocala Fire Rescue.
Firefighters secured the scene and helped the residents exit the home safely.
No injuries were reported.
Ocala Electric Utility also responded.
County and city governmental and public service agencies have been vehement in spreading awareness of the ongoing storm season.
Since hurricane season began last month, and especially this past week, multiple organizations including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Fire Rescue, and others have made public announcements about storm preparedness.