Fire

High fire danger Thursday, officials say

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.— Lake County is under a Red Flag Warning from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday due to high fire danger conditions, according to Lake County Fire Rescue. Dry air, combined with strong winds and dry vegetation, can cause fires to spread and become dangerous quickly, LCFR said. They are asking residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that could create sparks. LCFR is monitoring conditions closely, they said, and will provide updates as needed. If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

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Mulch fire causing smoky conditions in Tavares

TAVARES, Fla.—A mulch fire at the Lake County Solid Waste Facility is creating a lot a smoke in the Tavares area and Lake County Fire Rescue officials are telling residents to keep their doors and windows closed. LCFR and the Solid Waste Department are working to break up the mulch pile and remove fuel sources, LCFR said, and the Florida Forestry Service has created a precautionary barrier around the fire that was caused by recent rain and extreme heat. The smoke may continue for several days and businesses and residents should keep doors and windows closed. Individuals with certain respiratory

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VIDEO: New Year’s Eve explosion rocks neighbors near Mount Dora, sends resident to the hospital

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A home was reduced to rubble and trapped a resident New Year’s Eve night after an explosion in unincorporated Mount Dora, a neighbor told Inside Lake. The home on West Main Street in Mount Dora Estates, formerly known as Riley’s Park, “exploded,” around 9:30 p.m. with the resident inside, according to a neighbor, Jeremy Jenkins. The man was initially trapped by rubble and debris but was able to get out and he was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Jenkins provided video to Inside Lake that showed the aftermath and described what he saw. Video courtesy of

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Man found dead in burning Altoona home Saturday

ALTOONA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead in a burning home Saturday afternoon. LCSO and Lake County Fire Rescue responded to 20332 Wood Duck Road, Altoona around 1 p.m. on reports the home was on fire. LCFR removed a deceased male from the home, and authorities found he had an apparent gunshot wound, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. The man, identified as Michael Gall, 49, lived at the home and detectives are conducting a death investigation, Herrell said; no other information was released.

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Eustis family trying to rebuild their lives after loss of home and dog to devastating fire

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis family is trying to rebuild their lives after losing their home and beloved dog to a devastating fire around midnight Monday. Amanda and Joe Mitchem and their son, Joey, 16, were able to escape the blaze, but lost everything they owned and their pup “Bitty Dog,” in the fire. Their daughter, Joni, 18, did not live at the home but was storing most of her belongings there, Amanda told Inside Lake.  The Mitchem family does not have insurance.   Joe and Amanda heard their breaker box making a “buzzing” sound late Sunday night and when Joe opened

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