(OCALA, FL.) Jan. 4, 2022 – Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a structure fire at a unit in the Villas at Spanish Oaks, 3150 NE 36th Ave., at approximately 2:59 a.m. on Jan. 3.

Engines 1, 3, and 5, Rescue 3, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the residential fire call. Units arrived to find a mobile home with an exterior wall under a carport on fire. The owner and his dog were outside.


Firefighters extinguished the flames using Engine #5’s pre-connected hose line and verified the home’s interior for fire extension.

In speaking with the resident, firefighters learned that the dog began barking incessantly in the middle of the night. The unusual barking awoke the resident, who in turn inspected his home looking for the source of his pet’s distress.

Thanks to the dog’s alertness and the owner’s curiosity, the fire was identified and attacked before damage extended beyond the area of origin.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.