A fire alarm led to the discovery of a concealed fire within a business in downtown Ocala on Thanksgiving afternoon.
Ocala Fire Rescue crews responded to an active fire alarm at 20 South Magnolia Avenue at approximately 2:04 p.m. on Thursday, 27.
Ladder 3, Engine 1, and two Battalion Chiefs were initially dispatched and the call was briefly downgraded after no signs of fire were evident on arrival.
As firefighters went through the 18 South Sports Bar, they noted that patrons were waiting outside. After a more thorough inspection of the building’s upper floors by Ladder 3, smoke was located.
Firefighters detected a heat signature of 500 degrees using a thermal imaging camera, indicating a concealed fire beneath the tile floor on the third story. All previously dispatched units were then recalled to the scene.
Battalion Chief 22 assumed command as crews worked to expose the blaze. Firefighters removed ceiling tiles from the second floor to gain access to the flames. During the operation, Tower 1 observed an unusual flow of water, which was later determined to be from a damaged pipe rather than a broken sprinkler.
Firefighters declared the incident under control shortly after and no injuries were reported.
The Fire Prevention Division is now investigating the cause of the fire.
Officials also noted that the successful management of the incident—from working smoke alarms to the rapid response—offers a contrast to the 1883 Great Fire, reinforcing dedication to public safety in the city.