Submitted by Daniel Hanes
City of Fernandina Beach Fire Chief
At approximately 8:54pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012 the Fernandina Beach Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire in the area of Laguna Drive. The emergency call came in during the height of a fierce thunder storm that was moving through the Fernandina Beach area.
Engine Company 102 was the first unit on scene and determined that the actual location of the fire was 860 Laguna Drive. Upon their arrival they observed heavy fire conditions and reported that the fire was already through the roof. Firefighters set up a defensive, exterior attack on the fire.
Fernandina Beach Fire Department utilized automatic aide from Nassau County to fight the fire. It took well over an hour for 16 Firefighters to bring the blaze under control. The house was completely destroyed by the fire. The total property loss was estimated to be in excess of $250,000.
An investigation of the fire is being conducted by the City’s Fire Marshal’s office. Based on information gathered on the scene and statements received, the preliminary cause is being classified as a lightning strike however the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries reported by civilians or Firefighters as a result of this fire.
August 18, 2012 10:35 p.m.