Fire at Marion County condo complex displaces 8 residents

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Eight people were displaced Sunday evening when a building in a condominium complex in the Summerfield neighborhood caught fire, Marion County Fire Rescue officials said.

The blaze was reported shortly before 8:15 p.m. at the Loch Harbor condos on Southeast Sunset Harbor Road, east of Southeast 147th Place, on Lake Weir's southern shore, firefighters said.

Quick-thinking residents like Darlene Diandrea called 911. She said she and her husband awoke their neighbor, who was in a deep sleep.

"The flames were pretty big and they were starting to spread," she said. "We got her out, but her dog was still up there, so he went back up and got the dog."

Firefighters said they rescued a cat named Rico, who was returned to his owner unharmed.

The flames claimed 30 percent of one of the condominium buildings, officials said.

"I came out and all I seen was massive flames and then about 10 trucks around here," resident Scott Haber said. "Oh my goodness. Cops everywhere."

Flames flared up again at about 5 a.m., so firefighters returned to the complex to re-extinguish the fire.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours to ensure the fire didn't rekindle.

No one was injured.

The State Fire Marshal's is investigating the fire's cause.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group