Crews respond to residential fire caused by lightning strike

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire tonight in the southwest area of Alachua County.

At about 9:31 p.m. on August 19, crews responded to a fire in the Longleaf neighborhood. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of the residence, with fire extending into the attic space. The fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike associated with a strong thunderstorm that moved through the area.

Firefighters quickly deployed handlines from the responding apparatuses and initiated an aggressive interior attack. Crews were able to rapidly extinguish the fire and limit the majority of the damage to the garage area, saving most of the residence and nearly all of its contents.

Firefighters conducted a search of the residence and confirmed that there were no occupants inside. No injuries were reported.

Alachua County Fire Rescue reminds residents to test their smoke alarms regularly and replace smoke alarm batteries at least twice a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, to help ensure they are operating properly when needed.