08/23/2026
At 1:04 p.m. Saturday, Charlotte County Fire & EMS was dispatched to a residential structure fire on Kettle Harbor Drive on Knight Island. While crews were en route, a large column of smoke was visible from as far away as the U.S. 41 bridge as crews from Station 10 (our island station) and the mainland responded.
Crews arrived to find the home fully involved in fire with significant structural damage. Due to the extent of the fire and unsafe conditions of the structure, crews operated defensively.
The island location required a coordinated response from both land and water. While firefighters worked from the ground, our fire boat responded and provided an additional attack from the water, allowing crews to reach the fire from multiple sides. Englewood Area Fire Control District also assisted with the response before later clearing the scene.
One Englewood firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for evaluation. The firefighter was later discharged. There were also two patient refusals associated with the incident.
Two cats were inside the residence at the time of the fire. The homeowners were able to get one cat out safely. Unfortunately, the second cat did not survive.
The fire caused extensive damage throughout the home. Portions of the roof and multiple sides of the residence collapsed, with one side completely collapsed. The remaining structure was leaning and unstable, creating conditions that prevented crews and investigators from safely accessing portions of the home.
With the heat and extended operations, a nearby resident opened their home to our firefighters, providing a place for crews to cycle through rehab, cool down and rest before returning to operations. We are incredibly grateful for their kindness and support of our crews.
Charlotte County Fire & EMS and the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire. Due to the extensive damage, collapse and unstable condition of the structure, investigators were unable to safely conduct an adequate examination of the entire residence. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Responding units: Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 8, Engine 10/Tanker 10, Engine 15, Rescue 3, Rescue 4, Rescue 14, Marine 2, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, Emergency Vehicle Maintenance, Charlotte County Fire & EMS Fire Investigator, State Fire Marshal’s Office and Englewood Area Fire Control District.
