Three people narrowly escaped injury on Saturday morning when a fire broke out at a wooden-frame apartment-style home in Homosassa.

Firefighters were dispatched at 9:06 a.m. to 6365 W. Oaklawn St., and arrived within 12 minutes.

Crews found found heavy smoke and flames coming from the approximately 400-square-foot residence. Due to the severity of the fire and all of the occupants were out safely, the Incident Commander called for a defensive operation to protect surrounding buildings and vehicles.

Engines from the fire stations at Lecanto Highway, Rockcrusher Road, West Oak Park Boulevard, and a tanker from the Crystal River Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene to provide additional staffing and water.

The most probable cause of the fire is believed to be from an electrical short circuit of an electrical outlet or extension cord providing electricity to an electric space heater.

The occupant, Kenneth Winn, and three visitors (two adults and a toddler) narrowly escaped unharmed. They advised the smoke alarm was not functioning. Winn said he was awakened by his coughing from the smoke in his bedroom.

He said the heaviest smoke was in his bedroom. He got up and tried to extinguish the fire with a pot of water. By the time he returned, the fire and flames were too intense. He advised everyone to evacuate and called 9-1-1.

The fire caused extensive damage to the wood frame residence and its contents. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for the displaced family. The damages were estimated at approximately $20,000 for the structure and $10,000 for the contents.

No one was injured in the blaze. The firefighters completed the assignment approximately 2-1/2 hrs after arriving.

Tips for space heater safety

Fire Rescue discourages the use extension cords for electric space heaters. The heaters should be situated so that they are at least 3 feet away from any combustible or flammable materials. Be sure that the heater is operating as intended and read, understand and apply the manufacture’s instructions for use.