Smoke alarms save Inverness resident from blaze

Keep yours properly maintained

Smoke alarms are being credited for saving an Inverness resident when fire broke out at his 3255 E. Quail Court home on Tuesday night.

Citrus County fire crews, dispatched from the newly opened Kensignton Fire Station, responded at 11:57 p.m. to find the home involved in heavy smoke.

Once inside, firefighters saw smoke almost to the floor and heavy heat. They found a small fire in a chair near the home's fireplace, which was quickly put out.

The fire report says resident Gary Krause was awakened by the smoke alarms, and was safely able to exit the home through the bedroom window.

Damage to the home is estimated at $25,000, and the cause of the fire is blamed on an ember that escaped a firescreen and landed in the chair near the fireplace.

Citrus County Fire Rescue encourages all residents to ensure that they have working smoke alarms in their homes. Additionally, the alarms should be tested monthly and the batteries changed twice a year when the time changes.

For more information about the installation, location and testing of smoke alarms, call the Citrus County Fire Marshal’s Office at 352-527-5406.