Fire destroys two-story home in Alachua County; space heater blamed
CREDIT: Alachua County Fire Rescue
ORLANDO, Fla. - A fire caused by a space heater destroyed a two-story home in Alachua County early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, with assistance from Melrose and Windsor Fire Departments, responded to the blaze at 9:06 a.m. at the corner of Cole Street and Kennard Street.
Upon arrival, crews found the residence fully engulfed in flames, with heavy fire conditions. Firefighters immediately worked to prevent the fire from spreading.
While battling the blaze, crews encountered downed live power lines, which added to the danger.
The Southbound lane of Waldo Road was closed while emergency personnel worked to control the fire.
All occupants of the home were able to evacuate safely, but three dogs were inside. Two dogs made it out, but the third was not located as of the latest report.
CREDIT: Alachua County Fire Rescue
Fire officials later determined that the fire was caused by a space heater placed too close to flammable items.
The two-story wood-framed structure completely collapsed in the fire.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Source: The information in this article came from the Alachua County Fire Rescue report and was shared with FOX 35 News.