MCFR Firefighter Injured Battling Ocala Structure Fire
A Marion County Fire Rescue firefighter was injured while responding to a significant residential fire in Ocala.
The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, when MCFR units were dispatched at 7:58 p.m. to a home in the 10200 Block of North US Highway 441. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing heavy flames and a large column of black smoke that was visible from miles away.
Battalion Chief #1 arrived on the scene at 8:04 p.m. and confirmed the heavy flames emanating from the garage. A propane tank explosion added to the intensity of the blaze. MCFR Engine #11 was first to arrive, quickly deploying hose lines to combat the flames. Reinforcements from Station #19, Station #1, Station #2, Station #9, and Station #21 soon joined the effort. Division #1 took command of the scene while Battalion Chief #1 managed operations. A second alarm was struck to call in additional manpower.
During the primary search of the structure, the fire conditions rapidly deteriorated, resulting in the injury of Lieutenant Nicholas Ghigliotty. Firefighter paramedics provided immediate on-scene treatment before transporting him to Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville. Lieutenant Ghigliotty was evaluated, treated, and released by approximately 10:30 p.m.
The fire was declared under control at 8:21 p.m. Thankfully, there were no reported civilian injuries. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
