An Ocala family’s dog died on Thursday night after a fire ignited inside their home on SE 18th Street.
Shortly after 10:35 p.m., Marion County Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the 4500 block of SE 18th Street due to reports of a residential structure fire in the area. According to MCFR, a neighbor had called 911 to report that the garage across the street was on fire, and the neighbor advised that everyone had safely made it out of the home.
MCFR’s Heavy Rescue 1 unit was the first to arrive on scene, and crews observed heavy smoke and flames rising from the home.
Additional firefighters quickly arrived on scene, and two hose lines were deployed to attack the blaze. Firefighters also utilized a ladder to climb onto the roof, and vertical ventilation operations were performed to allow heat and smoke to travel out of the home.
As crews continued to combat the fire, multiple MCFR and OFR units arrived at the home to assist with extinguishing the flames.
A primary and secondary search was conducted inside the home, and firefighters located a dog that was quickly brought outside. Attempts were made to resuscitate the dog with an oxygen mask, but the dog passed away.
At 10:55 p.m., the fire was called under control. According to MCFR, the cause of the fire was deemed to be an accidental electrical problem.
There were no injuries reported to civilians or firefighters.