A family of two was left homeless Saturday after a fire gutted their two-story home on Needles Drive in rural Ormond Beach.

  • Home located in Plantation Pines subdivision
  • Homeowner called 9-1-1 around 4:30 p.m.
  • Water sources to fight fire scarce in the area

Volusia County Fire officials said the homeowner called 9-1-1 around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

"[The homeowner] was sleeping and was awakened by the fire," said Volusia Battalion Chief Mike Inglett. "He attempted to put it out with a water hose that he was using for his waterbed on the second floor. [He] was unable to do so ... was overwhelmed."

Inglett said the fire started on the second floor and raced throughout the house. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was too intense to save the home.

“It's total loss, yes," said Inglett, referring to the home. "When [firefighters] arrived on scene, there was fire out of every top, second floor of the structure, every side.”

The homeowner was not seriously hurt. His wife was away at work. A family pet, however, remains unaccounted for.

Inglett said fighting the fire was complicated due to the absence of fire hydrants in that part of rural Volusia County. Firefighters had to use tankers to transport water near the home, filling large red containers to continue battling the flames.

“Our biggest battle whenever we deal with fires that are in outlying areas is water supply.” said Inglett.

A Fire Marshall is expected to initiate an investigation Sunday, but firefighters believe the cause is accidental.

The names of the homeowners have not been released. The Red Cross was contacted and they are expected to provide the family with temporary help.