On Jan. 27, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the 11000 block of SE 61st Ave. in Belleview due to reports of a structure fire. The 911 caller reported the house across the street from his was on fire with both heavy smoke and flames showing.
Battalion Chief #3 arrived on scene at 8 p.m., a few minutes after the call, and established command. Belleview Engine Company #18 and Spruce Creek Truck Company #1 arrived on scene and immediately deployed attack lines. Firefighters began an offensive interior attack on the fire while simultaneously sending a crew to the roof for vertical ventilation operations.
The construction of the house made it difficult for firefighters to “chase” the fire. Firefighter paramedics were sent in to complete a primary and secondary search.
Crews found a dog, named Cuya, within the structure. Cuya was brought outside and was administered life-saving oxygen through a donated pet oxygen mask. Cuya was doing well after receiving the oxygen, according to a Florida Police Scanner Facebook post.
As interior smoke conditions began to clear, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. The fire was under control at 8:52 p.m.
The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation. A family of six was displaced by the fire, and the American Red Cross was called in to assist.
