A house fire in Ocala is under investigation for arson

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – A house fire has neighbors worried and wondering what caused the flames.

“Sometimes I don’t know if people feel safe here at night,” said neighbor Willie Thomas. “For example, if a certain event happens because you never know it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone.”

A home on NW Ninth Avenue was set on fire shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday evening.

Neighbors tell TV20 they saw fire and smoke coming from the house, but some say they also heard gunshots beforehand.

Willie Thomas says he has a friend in the house who escaped the fire.

“I don’t think anyone was hurt too badly. He said there was a lot of smoke in his lungs and he may have been burned. I don’t know much because I haven’t seen him, but I spoke to him earlier today to make sure he was okay and he said he was fine. said Thomas.

The house is now cordoned off with police tape. According to a news release from Ocala Fire Rescue, the cause of the fire is under investigation based on the circumstances of the incident. However, they did not say what aroused their suspicions.

Ocala Police Department officials told TV20 the incident is being investigated as arson.

Neighbors say the street was closed for first responders.

“It still went on like after 12 when I first came outside because I started laying down in the house to sleep and then one of my nephews told me to check on your friend and see, how he feels because something just happened over there. said Thomas.

Two people were taken to hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation and flame exposure.

Three officers were also treated and released.

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