(OCALA, FL.) July 14, 2025 - At 4:21 p.m., as a severe storm swept through Ocala, Ladder 3, Tower 1, Engine 5, Rescue 3, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the 400 block of Southeast 15th Terrace following reports of a confined space incident.

Battalion Chief 22 and Ladder 3 were the first to arrive, discovering a tree resting on top of a duplex located at the corner of Southeast 15th Terrace and East Fort King Street. Upon inspecting the area, Ladder 3 found that most of the damage affected the rear of the house.

Firefighters quickly searched the premises for residents, locating one man and a dog inside one of the units; both were startled but unharmed. The second unit was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

The massive, uprooted tree, along with another tree trunk that collapsed when the first tree fell, was resting on the carport, trapping a vehicle underneath and damaging the rear of both units, including the bedrooms, living room, and laundry areas.

No injuries were reported.

All other units were released shortly after their arrival or before reaching the scene.

The Ocala Building Department also responded.