2 people rescued from Ocala house fire, arson investigation

MARION COUNTY, Fla – Ocala firefighters rescued two people from a house fire Thursday. As the investigation continues, authorities suspect that arson could be the cause.

According to a news release, crews responded to the fire in the 1100 block of NW 9th Ave. while initially being dispatched on an unrelated call around 11:10 p.m.

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When crews arrived at the scene, they reported seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of a small, one-story home that had two residents inside.

Both residents, one of whom was bedridden, were safely removed from the home and the fire was successfully contained by 11:18 p.m., the release said. The victims were transported to the hospital and treated for smoke and flame exposure.

Due to the circumstances of the incident, an investigation is underway for arson.

Anyone with information about this matter is asked to call Ocala police at 352-369-7000 or call Crime Stoppers of Marion County anonymously at 352-368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS. Visit OcalaCrimeStoppers.com to submit tips online.

Anyone who provides a helpful tip that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a $3,000 cash reward.

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