A late-night fire tore through a 3,500-square-foot Ocklwaha home early Friday, keeping firefighters busy as they battled intense flames venting through the roof.
Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) units were dispatched at 1:17 a.m. to the 4900 block of SE 169th Avenue after a 911 caller reported the structure was engulfed in heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters from Lynne Station #4 arrived ten minutes later to find the home already 60% consumed by the blaze.
Battalion Chief #2 took command, coordinating efforts from South Marion Station #6, Weirsdale Station #27, and Volunteer Station #26. Crews deployed hose lines while a water sector was established to sustain firefighting operations. With no nearby hydrants, four water tankers were called in, and additional firefighters from Anthony Station #1, Rolling Greens Station #28, and Silver Springs Shores Station #17 joined the battle.
Due to worsening conditions, command ordered an evacuation of the structure, shifting to a defensive strategy. After an intense fight, crews got the fire under control, and an MCFR Fire Prevention Investigator was called in to determine the cause and origin.
In total, 39 firefighters and eight fire suppression units responded. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
