BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Firefighters had to return to the scene of a potential arson early Wednesday in Brooksville. 

  • Firefighters return to scene of major Hernando County fire Wednesday morning
  • Fires to barn-like structures may have been intentionally set, fire officials said
  • There were no injuries 

The fire initially broke out Tuesday afternoon near the 7000 block Thistlebrook Lane. The flames tore through a home and auto body on the premises, destroying multiple buildings. 

"When I came out, the flames were actually at the building right on that side of the road, and it was so hot that I couldn’t even stand there," said neighbor Heather Mookdasanit. "I had to back off."

Hernando County Fire Rescue arrived on scene within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the large residential parcel. 

The property contained several structures, a large lumber type area and multiple vehicles and debris. Due to the large fire load, a second alarm was called for additional resources. 

Crews had the fire under control by 7 p.m. 

There were no injuries but smoldering areas rekindled overnight, forcing firefighters to return to the area. 

"Lumber wood and tires and shingles and all that, so you could just imagine, especially between the tires and the shingles, that it has a lot of fuel to just keep it burning throughout the whole day," said neighbor Kolby Kneiss.

Several sparks remained Wednesday morning among the smoldering areas. Damage included metal roofs melted in half and multiple destroyed structures where a home and auto body business once stood, according to the owners.

Alex Lopez with Hernando Fire Rescue said the investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations.