Several Pets Die in Suspicious Explosion and Fire, Investigation Underway

SPRING HILL – The Hernando County Sheriff's Office and State Fire Marshall are investigating an explosion and residential fire that occurred this morning at the 11000 block of Collingswood Street.

Fire officials say they responded to the residence at 9:34 a.m. after neighbors reported that the "garage blew up." Witnesses also reported seeing the home's occupant leave the scene, prior to the arrival of Fire Rescue.

Officials say the garage was fully engulfed upon arrival and that the fire caused extensive damage.

There are unconfirmed reports that the occupant was located shortly after the explosion and taken into custody. Sources also say the explosion and fire were caused by a methamphetamine lab inside the garage.

The Sheriff's Office has not released a statement at this time.

We will bring more on this story as it develops.