GFR responds to residential fire, saves neighboring homes and two kittens

Updated on April 24 after GFR confirmed that the address in the press release was incorrect.

Press release from Gainesville Fire Rescue

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At about 1:59 a.m. this morning, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) crews from Stations 1 and 3 were dispatched to a residential house fire at 711 NE 20^th St. 

On scene, crews found a 75% involved house with the next home only 12 feet away. Incident Commander Mike Steele said firefighters from Station 3 were able to stop the fire from spreading to nearby homes and extinguish the fire while crews from Station 1 coordinated to establish a water supply and search the home. 

Firefighters were hindered in their actions by a downed power line that had detached from the home and was lying on the ground, creating a significant safety hazard. Crews had to avoid the live power line in the dark while working around the home until GRU could secure the power to the pole. Crews were able to search the remaining 25% of the home using a technique known as “Vent Enter Search (VES).” During a VES operation, fire crews enter through a window to search a room that has been cut off from the rest of the home by fire. The maneuver is know to be high-risk because “the firefighters do not know what environment they will be entering, and conditions are normally zero-visibility in these situations,” according to District Chief Ron Thomas.

No occupants were located during the search and no injuries were sustained during the fire attack. Two kittens were rescued from the house and taken to the animal hospital for evaluation. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Hillhouse commended the crews for their actions and reminded citizens to be cognizant of responsible fire safety practices.