Gainesville fire destroys structures, cuts power

Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) crews had to move quickly Thursday to put out a rapidly spreading fire that nearly threatened several homes. 

GFR responded to the 1300 block of NE 28th Avenue in northeast Gainesville after a reported outside fire. According to a GFR press release, the blaze had already spread to multiple outside buildings when firefighters arrived.

The flames reached high enough to damage power lines and cause a minor power outage in the area. 

“Rapid intervention by the first arriving crews prevented the fire from reaching adjacent homes,” the GFR press release said. 

Outside open burning is not allowed in Gainesville city limits, but it’s not yet known how the blaze started. GFR said the incident is still under investigation. 

GFR reported that GRU line crews were preparing to repair the damaged power lines Thursday evening.