Firefighters Tackle Massive Blaze at Vacant Crystal River Home; Nursing Facility Sees Second Fire Incident

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CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (WFLA) — On Friday night, Citrus County Fire Rescue tackled two separate fires occurring miles apart. Both incidents were successfully managed, officials reported.

The first blaze was called in around 8:15 p.m. on Halloween, prompting emergency responders to rush to a residence on North Reynolds Avenue in Crystal River.

Firefighters arrived to find a mobile home completely engulfed, with thick smoke billowing from every part of the structure.

Acting swiftly, the fire crews managed to control the flames by 8:38 p.m., according to CCFR officials.

Upon inspecting the premises, it was confirmed that no one was inside. Neighbors mentioned that the home was uninhabited and had recently been purchased at auction. Additionally, the fire department noted that the electricity to the home had been cut off before the blaze began.

Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire.

While crews were working at the home on North Reynolds Avenue, a second fire was reported at a nursing facility in Inverness. CCFR did not name the facility.

That fire did not require the same level of response as the first, so CCFR was able to coordinate crews and resources between the events without any service delays, they said. No additional information was provided about the cause of the fire or what, if any, damage the facility sustained.

Fire Chief Craig Stevens credited staffing and funding increases for helping to ensure CCFR was able to respond to simultaneous incidents.

“Better-staffed engine companies translate directly into faster and more effective responses, enhanced firefighter safety, improved victim survivability, reduced property loss, and better situational awareness,” he said. “In short, a better-staffed department means a safer community and a safer environment for our firefighters.”

The department reminded residents that even vacant homes with no electricity can catch fire, which can then spread to other properties. They encouraged people to immediately call 911 whenever they see flames or smoke.