OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On Oct. 24, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a residential fire on NW 9th Ave. at around 11:10 p.m., where two residents were rescued from a smoke-filled home.

OFR says that several rescue units arrived on the scene with support from Marion County Fire Rescue. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small, single-story home with flames and heavy smoke emerging from the front.

Three Ocala Police officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Ocala Fire Rescue continues to investigate the cause of the fire. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue

Ocala Police Department (OPD) officers, on-site initially for an unrelated call, were already attempting to assist the residents, according to OFR. Within one minute of arrival, firefighters rescued the first resident through the front door. A second resident, bed-bound in a rear bedroom, was located and safely removed through the bedroom window.

OFR says that the fire was contained to the room of origin and declared under control by 11:18 p.m. Both residents were taken to the hospital as trauma alerts for smoke and flame exposure.

Three OPD officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and released shortly after.

OFR says that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.