Ocala Fire Rescue responds to ground depression near SE 28th Place and SE Fifth Terrace (June 21, 2023)

The occupants of an Ocala home were forced to evacuate on Wednesday after a 30-foot ground depression emerged within five feet of their residence.

Ocala Fire Rescue units consisting of Engine 7 and a Safety Officer responded to a flood assessment call near the intersection of SE 28th Place and SE 5th Terrace on Wednesday, according to a press release.

Ocala Fire Rescue responds to ground depression near SE 28th Place and SE Fifth Terrace (June 21, 2023) OFR firetruck at scene
OFR Engine 7 arriving at a home near the intersection of SE 28th Place and SE 5th Terrace on Wednesday (Photo: Ocala Fire Rescue)

Upon arrival, crews observed a duplex with a flooded front yard, and a ground depression approximately 30 feet in diameter was spotted near the residence.

Ocala Fire Rescue responds to ground depression near SE 28th Place and SE Fifth Terrace (June 21, 2023) flooding near home
The front yard of the duplex was flooded (Photo: Ocala Fire Rescue)

Firefighters immediately alerted the occupants of the duplex and ensured that they were safely evacuated from the area. No further details were provided regarding the number of people who were forced to leave their home.

Ocala Fire Rescue responds to ground depression near SE 28th Place and SE Fifth Terrace (June 21, 2023)
This 30-foot ground depression emerged near an Ocala duplex on Wednesday (Photo: Ocala Fire Rescue)

Ocala Fire Rescue stated that the building department and the state warning point were both notified due to the magnitude of the depression and its close proximity to residential structures.

There were no injuries reported.

Marion County Emergency Management also responded.