Firefighters Battle Waldo Residential Blaze

WALDO ‒ Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, with assistance from the Windsor and Melrose Fire Departments, responded to a significant residential fire on Kennard Street at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The fire, which fully engulfed a two-story house, caused road closures and prompted a swift, coordinated firefighting effort.

Upon arrival, the first fire unit encountered a severe blaze, with the second floor of the residence consumed by flames and fire spreading rapidly to the structure's exterior. Power lines near the home also caught fire, further complicating the situation and adding to the hazards faced by firefighters.

Fire crews immediately deployed an offensive strategy while maintaining a defensive approach to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties. Their efforts were focused on the front side of the structure, where flames were most intense.

Fortunately, all occupants of the home were able to exit the building safely before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported among residents or first responders.

By 4 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished. Following an investigation by the Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire was determined to be a space heater, a common fire hazard during colder months. The incident serves as a reminder for residents to exercise caution when using heating devices, ensuring they are properly maintained and positioned away from flammable materials.

Due to the fire and related safety concerns, Waldo Road experienced significant traffic disruption throughout the day. Power lines damaged in the fire further complicated the situation. By 4:30 p.m., one southbound lane of Waldo Road had reopened, though crews continued to monitor the area and work to restore normal traffic flow.

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