Mainstreet Daily News
Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) mobilized at 3:40 p.m. Thursday after an alert of a large commercial fire at Gainesville Regional Utilities’ (GRU) Deerhaven Powerplant.
Arriving crews encountered heavy smoke and fire on the south side of a cooling tower. According to a GFR release, the first crew immediately asked for backup and made sure all employees had evacuated.
The release reports that GFR and Alachua County Fire Rescue sent 37 firefighters in total, who, along with GRU safety officers and police officers, controlled the event.
GFR reported no injuries and said the fire will not cause a disruption in utility services. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“The fire was held to the southern end of the building preventing the total loss of an asset valued at 10 million dollars,” the release said.
On Facebook, Commissioner David Arreola thanked GFR in its quick response that helped save a multimillion dollar plant.
Two weeks ago, another commercial fire consumed Alachua Feed and Seed on NW 6th Ave.
GFR reports that industrial fires cause $508 million in damage each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.