Apartment fire in SW Gainesville displaces residents

Press release from Gainesville Fire Rescue

Gainesville Fire Rescue and units from Alachua County Fire Rescue responded to a reported multi-residential building fire at 2636 SW 33rd Place at about 8:52 p.m. on May 1. A 911 caller reported smoke inside of their apartment on the second floor. All occupants were able to escape without injury.

Gainesville Fire Rescue crews arrived on the scene, performed a quick search to ensure all persons had exited the structure, and found smoke in the attic of one of the upstairs apartments. GFR units TW2 and E2 quickly extinguished a small smothering fire in the attic. Crews remained on scene, checking in voided spaces for fire extension. Due to the damage in the apartment, the homeowners were displaced and placed in temporary housing by Red Cross. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Gainesville Fire Rescue would like to remind its citizens to check to ensure that all smoke detectors in their homes are working correctly. Also, if you are using portable home heating devices to heat your home this winter, please place them in a safe area and turn them off before going to bed at night.