Updated September 19, 2025 | 7:14 a.m.
OCALA FL. (352 Today) Following the initial investigation, authorities have now confirmed the fire was intentionally set. Surveillance footage and staff observations identified a 13-year-old student as the suspect, and after further investigation by Detective Decker, the student confessed to starting the blaze. He was arrested on charges of arson of an educational institution. Officials credit the swift actions of School Resource Officer Meyers, school staff, Ocala Fire Rescue, and law enforcement with preventing the fire from spreading and ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Previously – September 17, 2025 | 4:12 p.m.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – At approximately 11:41 a.m. on Sept. 17, Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a structure fire at Fort King Middle School, 545 NE 17th Ave.
As fire units were en route, school staff quickly evacuated students to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
During the evacuation process, one student fell and was subsequently transported to the hospital for evaluation; fortunately, no injuries resulted from the fire.
Ladder 3 was the first unit to arrive on the scene, arriving at a large, two-story school to find no visible signs of smoke or flames. Firefighters were directed to a bathroom in the hallway where the fire had already been
extinguished before their arrival.
Upon entering, firefighters observed haze filling both the bathroom and the hallway. To guarantee that the fire had been completely extinguished, they doused the area once more.
Battalion Chief 22 assumed command of the scene, with Engine 5, Rescue 3, and Ladder 3 working to ventilate the building. Battalion Chief 11, Squad 7, and a Safety Officer were initially dispatched but were later canceled as the situation was under control.
The Fire Prevention Division, the Ocala Police Department, and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.