Citrus County Fire Rescue reports two pets killed in Homosassa house fire linked to charging e-bike battery

A resident was displaced and a home was deemed unsafe for living following a residential fire caused by a charging battery.

• •Two pets (a dog and a cat) were killed in a house fire near Homosassa.
• •Citrus County Fire Rescue crews responded to the home on South Sorrell Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday.
• •The resident reported being awakened by an explosion and finding a fire where an e-bike battery was charging.
• •About 40% of the home was involved in the fire when firefighters arrived.
• •The fire was brought under control at 10:31 p.m. and reported out at 10:51 p.m.
• •No human injuries were reported, and one resident escaped safely.
• •The fire was determined to be unintentional by officials.
• •The home sustained heavy fire damage in the main living area, along with heat and smoke damage, and was deemed unsafe for living.
• •The American Red Cross responded to assist the displaced resident.
• •Fire officials noted that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and create fire hazards if damaged, improperly charged, or used with unsuitable equipment.