November 12, 2025 — Citrus County Fire Rescue responded just after 4:20 a.m. this morning to a structure fire on N. Hooty Point in Inverness, where crews arrived to find a 35-foot fifth-wheel camper fully involved.

Engine 5 (Hernando) was first on scene, quickly deploying hose lines and applying water within minutes. The fire was brought under control by 4:41 a.m. under the direction of Battalion Chief 1, who coordinated a defensive attack with support from Engine 8 (Highlands), Rescue 5 (Hernando), Ladder 23 (Kensington), and Tanker 20 (Pine Ridge). Crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby property.

The camper was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. An investigation determined the cause to be accidental, sparked by a dropped cigarette.

CCFR reminds residents to fully extinguish smoking materials and avoid smoking inside homes, campers, or enclosed spaces. Cigarette-related fires remain one of the leading causes of preventable home fires nationwide.