CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A lightning strike sparked a house fire in Citrus County on Friday, Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) said.
CCFR said it was dispatched to W. Jehle Court in Crystal River at 4:09 p.m.
Fire crews saw heavy smoke coming from a two-story home.
The homeowner reported hearing a lightning strike before discovering smoke and fire near the kitchen and laundry room.
Homeowners were able to safely get away from the home with help from a neighbor, and fire crews safely rescued the homeowner's dog, officials said.
The fire was brought under control about 20 minutes after the initial call.
The American Red Cross is assisting the homeowners.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
