Kitchen Blaze Threatens Cabins at Lochloosa Fish Camp

HAWTHORNE – Firefighters from multiple agencies responded Tuesday morning to a commercial building fire at Lochloosa Fish Camp, where a kitchen fire in one of the property’s duplex cabin rentals spread into the attic before crews were able to bring it under control.

According to officials, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, the Melrose Fire Department and the Cross Creek Fire Department were dispatched at approximately 8 a.m. Feb. 3 to the fish camp, located south of Hawthorne.

The first arriving unit reported a working kitchen fire inside one of the duplex-style cabins. Fire officials said the flames had already extended up an interior wall and into the attic space, creating the potential for significant structural damage if not quickly contained.

Crews moved swiftly to attack the fire, opening up walls and ceilings to reach hidden flames and prevent further extension. Their coordinated response stopped the fire’s progression and ultimately saved the structure, according to Alachua County Fire Rescue.

Firefighters remained on scene for overhaul operations, checking for hot spots and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was not released in the initial report.

The incident occurred while a countywide burn ban is in effect, prompted by dry conditions that increase the risk of fire spread. Fire officials used the response as an opportunity to remind residents and visitors to follow burn ban restrictions and exercise caution with any activities that could ignite a fire.

Lochloosa Fish Camp is a well-known lakeside destination offering cabin rentals and recreational access, and officials said the quick actions of responding crews helped minimize disruption to the property and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

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