Firefighters in Marion County were busy Friday night and Saturday morning as they battled three unrelated house fires in a 24-hour span.
The first fire occurred around 5:30 p.m. Friday, in Ocklawaha. Dispatchers received a call from the homeowner at 10451 S.E. 132nd Place reporting a grease fire. Firefighters arrived and were able to contain the fire to the kitchen.
Saturday morning had Marion County Fire Rescue crews busy with two home fires before noon. The first fire, located at 10230 S.E. 464C, in Ocklawaha, was reported to dispatchers around 9:08 a.m. The modified mobile home was about 25 percent involved when the first of seven units — approximately 16 firefighters — arrived to the scene. The homeowner wasn't home when the fire broke out. Officials believe the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring.
About 10 minutes later, homeowners at 6055 N.W. 125th St. Road, in Reddick, called 911 and reported they woke up to the smell of smoke. Occupants of the home were able to evacuate before crews arrived to the scene. The garage was completely engulfed in flames, and the home was 20 percent involved.
About 20 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, which originated in the garage and blew through the breezeway to the main building. Firefighters entered the home and searched for the family's dog, but they were unable to locate it.
The home is considered a total loss. The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident.