OCALA, Fla. — Emergency services responded to a reported explosion and fire at Main Street Mower in Ocala at approximately 7:25 am today. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire was accidental and electrical in nature, and no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at 733 North Magnolia Ave in the North Magnolia Business District. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom before observing smoke and a fire-like glow coming from the building. Because of the early hour, employees were in the parking area away from the structure when the fire was detected.
Firefighters from Ocala Fire Rescue arrived to find high heat, heavy black smoke, and zero visibility inside the facility. A fire captain used a K-12 saw to cut an entry point through a service garage door, allowing crew members to advance a hose line and locate the seat of the fire.
Crews successfully extinguished the flames, performed ventilation operations, and checked the structure for remaining hot spots. The fire was concentrated in the building’s shop area, resulting in significant fire and smoke damage.
Authorities closed North Magnolia Avenue between NE 5th St. and NE 9th St. during the emergency response. Railroad company CSX was also notified due to the fire’s proximity to nearby tracks and the potential impact of smoke in the area.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and the Ocala Building Department.
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