OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a structure fire at Berkley Pointe Apartments, 2869 NE 7th St., at 9 p.m. Thursday, arriving to find heavy black smoke pouring from a first-floor unit.
Firefighters entered the smoke-filled apartment, making their way to the fire room in the back while another team attacked the flames from a window. Their dual approach contained the fire to its origin.
During a primary search, OFR says that firefighters rescued the family’s cat before ensuring adjacent units were clear and aiding in ventilation. Once the fire was extinguished, crews checked for hot spots to prevent rekindling.
The fire, which OFR says was determined to be electrical, displaced one adult, two children, and their cat. No injuries were reported, though an occupant from an unrelated unit was transported to a hospital as a precaution.
OFR was assisted by the Fire Prevention Division, Ocala Police Department, Building Department, Ocala Electric Utility, and Marion County Fire Rescue.