Multiple residential fires were reported across the tri-county this weekend in the wake of Hurricane Ian, including one in Casselberry that claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman and her dog, and another that started because of improper use of a generator.
On Sunday, October 2, just before 1 a.m., firefighting crews from Seminole County, Oviedo, and Longwood responded to a residential fire at 1820 Center Drive in Casselberry.
Upon arrival, crews discovered a one-story, 2,600 square-foot home that was at least 75% engulfed by flames and had its roof partially collapsed.
Authorities say that although one woman, one young adult, and one dog escaped the fire, a 72-year-old woman and another dog were unable to safely evacuate the home and were killed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Seminole County Fire Department Fire Marshal.
On Saturday, Sanford Fire Department and Seminole County Fire Department crews responded to a residential fire that started because of the improper use of an extension cord with a generator. Authorities say that 30% of the home was damaged by fire and smoke and water damage permeated throughout the entire home.
In College Park, Orlando Fire Department crews responded this weekend to a kitchen fire that was at risk of spreading throughout the entire home. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire within three minutes of arriving on scene, with no injuries reported.
Maitland Fire Rescue Department crews responded on Sunday to reports of a fire that began after a tree fell onto a power line on Mohawk Trail. Power was knocked out for local residents as a result of the incident. Maitland firefighters responding to the scene were able to locate a Duke Energy repair crew nearby to assist in restoring power.
