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Monday, May 20, 2024

Flames destroy abandoned home in Marion County

Marion County firefighters rushed to an abandoned home in Citra on Tuesday afternoon after the structure became engulfed in flames.

At around 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, several Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the 17800 block of NE 22nd Court in Citra in reference to a residential structure fire.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (8
Multiple MCFR units responded to an abandoned residence located in the 17800 block of NE 22nd Court in Citra on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

According to MCFR, multiple 911 callers advised that a large column of smoke and heavy flames were visible at the abandoned home.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (10)
Heavy flames and smoke were visible when firefighters arrived at the home. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

The first MCFR unit arrived on scene within minutes and observed that the house was fully engulfed in flames. Additional units soon arrived to assist with extinguishing the blaze.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (1)
A Marion County firefighter battling the house fire on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line and began attacking the fire while rescue crews searched the interior of the property for any occupants.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (6)
A firefighter blasting the exterior of the Citra home with water. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)
Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (5)
MCFR crews combating the house fire on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

After conducting a primary and secondary search inside the home, MCFR determined that the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (7)
The Citra home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

It took firefighters approximately 30 minutes to extinguish the flames. The fire was officially called under control shortly before 1:30 p.m.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (4)
MCFR crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

There were no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians.

Abandoned home in Citra catches fire on May 7, 2024 photo by MCFR (3)
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

According to MCFR, its Fire Prevention Division is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.