By Brian Stoothoff
Ocala (FL) Fire Rescue was called to the scene of an apartment complex fire at 11:02 a.m. on January 24, 2013. Smoke could initially be seen from several miles distant, and on arrival firefighters observed flames coming through the roof of a two-story wood structure. The occupied building contained 16 apartments, and firefighters were quickly able to search the building to ensure everyone had safely evacuated.
“Fire and smoke damage was contained to just four of those apartments, and firefighters remained on scene for more than five hours,” stated Battalion Chief Wally Brinkman.
Twenty eight firefighters responded to the scene, and there were no injuries to the tenants. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The complex named Paddock Park Apartments is located at 2901 Southwest 41st Street. The fire occurred in building 2000.