OCALA, Fla. – A late-night house fire in Ocala has prompted an arson investigation. Ocala Fire Rescue crews responded to the blaze on the 1100 block of NW 9th Avenue around 11:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th.
The small, single-story home was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke when firefighters arrived. Ocala Police officers were already on scene for an unrelated call and bravely attempted to help residents escape.
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Firefighters quickly located and rescued two people from the burning house. One resident was evacuated through the front door, while a bed-bound individual was dramatically rescued through a bedroom window. Both residents were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke and burn injuries.
Three Ocala police officers were also transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation but were later released.
The fire was contained to a single room and brought under control within minutes. However, due to suspicious circumstances, the incident is being investigated as arson.
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Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867).
Tips can also be submitted online at OcalaCrimeStoppers.com. A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
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