Quick action by The Villages Public Safety Department prevented a ferocious fire from spreading to neighboring homes.
A lightning strike is suspected of sparking the blaze shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday in the 1800 block of Lancaster Lane in the Village of Winifred.
Multiple callers reported smoke and flames coming from the roof of the home.
“Upon arrival, units had a single-story structure with heavy smoke and flames throughout 80 percent of the building and through the roof. The first unit on the scene, Engine 40, deployed multiple hose lines and attacked the fire with the assistance of other arriving crews,” said VPSD Deputy Chief of Operations Robert Ramage.
Firefighters entered the home to confirm that no one was home. Neighbors later reported that the couple that owns the home had headed to Wisconsin.
“Crews had to be evacuated from the structure due to collapse concerns,” Ramage said. “The fire was brought under control, and crews began the process of overhaul.”
He confirmed that it appears the fire was caused by lightning and though devastating for the homeowners, firefighters were successful in stopping the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes.
“Due to our quick response and the actions of our crew, the damage was confined to this structure. Crews were able to protect the exposures (homes) on both sides of this home and extinguish the fire,” he said.
Ramage added that no firefighters or civilians were injured due to the fire.