GFR responds to early morning house fire

Press release from Gainesville Fire Rescue

At approximately  6:07 a.m. this morning, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) crews were dispatched to a reported building fire in the area of 800 NW 5^th Ave.  First arriving firefighters reported finding an advanced fire involving a small single family home, which had extended into a vehicle parked in the front yard. Firefighters arrived in under five minutes and immediately began applying water to the fire and searching for victims.  

A total of 17 firefighters from GFR were able to put the fire out within approximately 14 minutes. No injuries were reported. Three neighbors were displaced by the fire. Firefighting efforts and the search for victims was complicated by the presence of a large amount of storage and the significant fire load. 

Firefighters reported the home was protected by a working smoke alarm. Thankfully, all occupants safely evacuated prior to arrival of firefighters. This fire occurred in the very early morning hours while many neighbors were likely still sleeping, which serves as a reminder to maintain working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms are integral to provide sleeping occupants early warning to the presence of fire and deadly smoke. Smoke alarms save lives every day.   

This fire is currently under investigation to determine the origin and cause.  

A brief video of the conditions firefighters found on arrival can be viewed here.