Firefighters Extinguish Residence Fire On Merritt Island
By Space Coast Daily // June 21, 2012
No Smoke Detectors
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Firefighters were able to control and extinguish a blaze that threatened a Merritt Island home this morning,
Lt. Jeffrey Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue said a firefighters were able to extinguish a fire about noon today at a Merritt Island residence.
Brevard County Fire Rescue crews, assisted by units from the Cape Canaveral Fire Department and Merritt Island Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the 1300 block of Fiddler Avenue on Merritt Island for reports of smoke coming from a residence.
Units were dispatched at 11:40 a.m.
Taylor said that when county Engine 42 arrived on scene four minutes later and reported light smoke coming from the residence.
Upon further investigation, a working fire was discovered in the living room of the home. The officer-in-charge reported fire and heavy smoke showing from the backside of the home.
Crews stretched attack lines to the front door of the home and made a quick attack on the fire, Taylor said.
They encountered moderate smoke and heat inside the residence upon entry.
Neighbors were unsure whether anyone was in the home at the time. Crews made an interior search of the home and found no victims.
A 15-year-old dog named “Chelsea” was located during the search and brought out of the home by firefighters. Chelsea was receiving oxygen when the homeowner arrived.
A neighbor took the dog from the scene to be evaluated by a local veterinarian.
The homeowner, a 51 year-old woman, reported that she had not been in the home when the fire began.
Another resident, a 43 year-old male, told investigators he left the home 45 minutes before the smoke was reported.
Taylor said the residence was insured, but did not have working smoke alarms installed.
The fire was brought under control by firefighters within 20 minutes and an extensive overhaul was required to fully extinguish the blaze.
A county fire investigator determined that the fire was likely caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.
No injuries were reported to citizens or firefighters.
Taylor said Brevard County Fire Rescue would like to emphasize the importance of having a properly installed, functioning smoke alarm in every residence.
For more information about smoke alarms or how to obtain one, please call 321-633-2056 or visit http://www.brevardfire.com/
