(Brooksville, Fla) At 4:14 p.m. Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services (HCFES) received a 911 call for a residential fire in the 9000 block of Erma Rd. The caller reported that a mobile home was on fire. HCFES responded to the scene within 8 minutes and found heavy smoke and fire in the rear of the double-wide manufactured home. All 3 occupants evacuated the structure prior to the arrival of the fire department.
The fire was extinguished at 5:00 p.m. According to the occupants, they heard a loud “pop” from the electrical panel. When they investigated the sound, the breaker panel was on fire and quickly spreading. There is extensive overhaul due to add-on structures attached to the residence and a large quantity of interior contents.
The cause and origin of the fire is consistent with the description by the owners. After a phone consultation with the State Fire Marshall’s Office, based on the home being uninsured and the description of the origin by the fire department and report by the owners, it was determined an investigation was not required. Because of the extensive damage to the structure, the family will be staying with neighbors.
HCFES responded with 4 fire engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 2 ALS medic units, Fire Corps, 2 Water Tenders, 1 Air/Light Truck, 2 Battalion Chief, and 1 Administrative Chief. There was total of 26 fire personnel on scene.
HCFES would like to remind the community to change smoke detector batteries twice a year and conduct routine fire risk assessment on your homes.
