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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

5 fires intentionally set in and around Ocala hospital, suspect arrested

A 32-year-old man has been arrested by Ocala police for allegedly setting multiple fires inside HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and within the hospital’s vicinity on Sunday evening.

At approximately 7:08 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue received reports of a structure fire at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital located at 4600 SW 46th Court in Ocala. Multiple units consisting of Engines 1, 4, and 6, Rescue 4, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the hospital.

While firefighters were responding to the hospital, Ocala Fire Rescue received reports of a second fire inside the hospital, and additional units from OFR and Marion County Fire Rescue were requested.

HCA Florida West Marion Hospital OPD and OFR at scene photo from OFR
Ocala/Marion County firefighters and local police rushed to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on Sunday evening after receiving reports of several fires inside the hospital (Photo: Ocala Fire Rescue)

Upon arrival at the hospital, the fires were located in a fifth-floor coffee station, a first-floor men’s restroom, and a first-floor women’s restroom. Firefighters utilized fire extinguishers to put out the flames, and the fires were contained to the area of origin at each location, according to OFR.

As firefighters were extinguishing the fires inside the hospital, OFR received reports of two additional fires that were spotted within the vicinity of the hospital: one was behind Rasmussen University (4755 SW 46th Court) and the other fire was behind a residence in the 4500 block of SW 46th Street.

Crews from OFR and MCFR quickly relocated and combated the two outdoor fires near the hospital. After the flames were extinguished at both locations, crews returned to the hospital to assist with ventilation and gas monitoring.

There were no injuries reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Ocala Police Department arrested a suspect who has been identified as Daniel Holmes. Ocala-News.com is currently awaiting a copy of OPD’s arrest report.

Daniel Holmes
Daniel Holmes

Holmes was transported to Marion County Jail early Monday morning and he is currently being held on $45,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for first-degree arson of a hospital (two counts), second-degree arson of a building, second-degree arson of a wooded area, and battery of emergency medical personnel.

A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.