(Brooksville, FL) at 2:04pm on Friday, Sep. 1 Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) responded to a residential structure fire at 13379 Potomac Ave. in Weeki Wachee. Initial reports that the fire was in the garage and kitchen of the home. Upon arrival fire crews found the garage to be fully involved in fire. The occupants of the homeadvised that all persons had evacuated the residence. They did advise that the family dog was not accounted for. Firefighters began a coordinated fire attack and primary search of the structure.
By the time the fire was brought under control the garage and kitchen of the home had sustained heavy fire damage. The family dog was found to have sustained burn injuries from the fire. Fire crews, with the assistance of a neighbor, transported the dog to a local veterinarian for treatment.
The condition of the dog is unknown at this time. There have been no injuries reported to civilians or first responders.
Based on reports from the occupant and the fire crews’ investigation, it appears that the home sustained a lightning strike, which in turn caused the fire.
The family of three, 2 adults and 1 child, have been displaced by the damage to the home sustained from the fire. The American Red Cross is in route to provide the family with assistance.
HCFR responded with 3 fire engines, 1 water tanker, 2 rescues, and 2 battalion chiefs for a total of 15 fire rescue personnel.