OCALA, FL - On Friday, December 8, 2023 at 9:32 P.M., Ocala Fire Rescue's Engine 1 was dispatched to a smoke investigation near the 1900 block of Northwest 24th Court. While en route, crews were notified of additional callers reporting a fire in the area. At 9:35 P.M., dispatch upgraded the response to that of a structure fire, adding Engines 3 and 4, Tower 1, Rescue 1, a Safety Officer, and Battalion Chiefs 11 and 22 to the call.

Engine 1 was first on scene, arriving to find a single-story residential building behind smoke clouding the road. Flames could be seen through a front, left-side window. Neighbors advised that the resident was inside and that the home's side door was open.

Upon making entry, the crew encountered heavy smoke conditions with no visibility. As the crew made their way through the home, searching for occupants and the seat of the fire, they discovered a nonresponsive victim. Engine 1's crew immediately removed the occupant. Patient care was transferred to Rescue 1.

Crews re-entered the home, locating a fire in the attic. Engine 3 established a water supply. Engine 4 assisted Engine 1 with fire suppression, while Tower 1 conducted a secondary search to ensure no other occupants remained inside. 

The fire was knocked down by 9:49 P.M., and extinguished by 10:00 P.M.

The patient was transported to the hospital as a trauma alert. Unfortunately, the occupant succumbed to injuries sustained.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Prevention Division, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Utilities, and the State Fire Marshall's Office also responded.