Crews battle large fire at outdoor equipment dealership in Marion County, officials say

OCALA, Fla. – It took 58 firefighters to battle an early morning blaze Thursday at an outdoor power equipment dealership north of Ocala, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

Officials said a passerby called 911, and crews were dispatched to the fire at 3:54 a.m. in the 7000 block of U.S. Highway 441.

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The first crews arrived at 4:01 a.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the burning structure, forcing an entry to find heavy flames in the attic, according to the fire rescue.

Officials said they sent additional fire engines and five water tankers to the scene as firefighters gained further entry to the building. Crews evacuated when interior conditions deteriorated and after officials said they shifted to defensive operations, the fire was called under control at 5:20 a.m.

The fire is still under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined.