Crews fight fire in condemned residential structure near Newberry Road and Tower Road
Press release from Alachua County Fire Rescue
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At about 6 p.m. on September 5, Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) and Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) responded to reports of a residential structure fire in the area of West Newberry Road and 75th Street, behind Pep Boys.
Upon arrival, crews found a small, single-story residence, fully involved with heavy fire and thick black smoke venting through the roof. Due to the extent of the fire, the incident commander declared a defensive strategy, and units deployed hose lines to contain the blaze and prevent spread to nearby properties.
The structure was determined to be vacant and condemned. No occupants were located inside. Fire crews brought the incident under control in approximately three hours.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Alachua County and State Fire Marshal’s Offices.
Alachua County Fire Rescue reminds residents to test and replace smoke detector batteries regularly, every six months to ensure optimal protection.
Many years ago you could go up the driveway next to Pep Boys and go past this house then come down the driveway where Napolitano’s used to be. After they closed it down there was no more shortcut to avoid the light at Tower and Newberry.
Does anyone know who use to live there or owned the property? If this is the house I think it is it use to be a really great home.