(OCALA, FL.) November 15, 2023 – On Wednesday, November 15th, Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire at Deer Run Apartments, 2840 NE Fourth Ct., around 3:07 a.m. Engines 1, 3, and 5, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer responded.

Engine 3 was first on scene, arriving to find a small, single-story building with flames emitting from the rear of a center apartment unit. The resident had vacated the unit and informed crews that there were oxygen bottles inside.

Engine 1, Rescue 1, and Tower 1 searched adjacent apartment units for occupants. Engine 5 secured a hydrant, and Engine 3 began fighting the fire from the exterior.

As Engine 3 made entry into the unit, an oxygen bottle exploded.

Crews retreated and repositioned their fire attack angle.

The fire was extinguished, containing damages to the unit of origin.

No injuries were reported. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and the Red Cross also responded.

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