An investigation is currently underway after an explosion destroyed Jugo Cafe Tropical in Ocala on Friday evening.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., OFR units consisting of Engines 1, 3, and 5, Rescues 1 and 3, Tower 1, and Battalion Chief 11 responded to the restaurant located at 850 N Pine Avenue due to reports of a structure fire.
As firefighters rushed to the scene, OFR was notified by citizens that the restaurant had exploded. Within two minutes, firefighters arrived on scene and observed a commercial structure that was covered in smoke and flames.
Engine 1’s crew members secured the gas line while Engine 3’s crews attacked the flames. OFR stated that the attack was defensive due to limited visibility in the area and “compromised structural integrity.”
Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines to combat the flames from all sides. Once the fire was extinguished, OFR crews searched the building and determined that it was vacant.
No injuries were reported.
“The cause of the gas explosion is under investigation,” stated Ocala Fire Rescue in a social media post.
The Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utilities, Ocala Building Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and TECO Gas Company also responded.