One person killed in Turkey Creek Forest residential fire
February 16, 2024
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At 11:42 p.m. Thursday night, Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a residential building fire in Turkey Creek Forest.
Firefighters entered the building within six minutes and began extinguishing the fire. According to the Incident Commander, District Chief Jeff Schuhmacher, the first-arriving truck was assisted by four other fire trucks (including two Alachua County Fire Rescue trucks), an Alachua County ambulance, and Gainesville Police Department officers, who provided traffic control. The 20 firefighters searched the building for occupants, extinguished the fire, and protected nearby homes.
One person was found deceased in the home. The caused of the fire is under investigation.
It’s interesting that the Gville Sun states that the fire was reported on “Thursday at about 11:40 a.m. GFR responded to the scene a few minutes later. GPD arrived at approximately 12:20 a.m.” Hmmm, are there no editors with active brain cells at the Sun who can pick up the mistake? At least the Chronicle got the times right. Now about the cause of death . . .
So sad for the victim and for family and friends…
The 55 and over community is devasted by the fire and especially the loss of life. Two other homes received some damage as well. If not for an alert neighbor who discovered the fire and called it in, it could have been much worse. Prayers for her dear family.