Ocala Fire Rescue tree falls on apartment building 9 3 22 another photo of tree

Twelve families in Ocala were displaced on Saturday evening after a tree fell on their apartment building.

On Saturday, September 3, shortly after 8 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to Saddleworth Green Apartments located at 2901 SW 41st Street due to reports of a confined space emergency.

Ocala Fire Rescue tree falls on apartment building 9 3 22 Saddleworth apartment sign
Firefighters responded to Saddleworth Green Apartments shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday (Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue)

OFR units consisting of Engine 4, Rescue 4, Tower 1, and Battalion 11 arrived on scene and observed a large tree that was resting on building #1300.

Ocala Fire Rescue arriving on scene tree falls on apartment building 9 3 22
Several OFR units arrived at the apartment complex and saw a tree resting on Building #1300 (Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue)

According to OFR, the tree appeared to be in the process of being cut, and its limbs had pierced through the building’s roof.

The building was cleared by firefighters to ensure that all residents and pets were safely evacuated. Assistance from Marion County Animal Services was requested to help safeguard the animals whose owners were not home.

Ocala Fire Rescue tree falls on apartment building 9 3 22 another photo of tree
All residents and pets safely exited the building (Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue)

Due to damages to the building’s infrastructure, a dozen apartment units were deemed uninhabitable.

Ocala Fire Rescue tree falls on apartment building 9 3 22 a third photo of tree
Twelve units were deemed uninhabitable due to damages caused by the tree (Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue)

While no injuries were reported, 12 families were displaced. To assist those families in need of shelter, aid from American Red Cross was requested.

The Ocala Police Department, the Building Inspector, and Ocala Electric Utilities also responded.