Florida Construction News staff writer
Gainesville Fire Rescue responded late Tuesday morning to a fire on the roof of a building under construction on the University of Florida campus, quickly containing the flames and preventing what officials said could have been a multi-million dollar loss.
“Thanks to the early reporting from construction crews and the quick actions of first responders a major fire was prevented the and a potential multi million dollar loss avoided,” Gainesville Fire and Rescue reported on social media.
The fire was reported around 11:55 a.m. at the site of the university’s new architecture building, an 80,000-square-foot structure still under construction. Fire crews arriving on scene found active flames on the roof, burning among various roofing materials, including rolled roofing, tar containers, and four 40-pound propane cylinders.
Firefighters initially used water extinguishers to control the blaze while removing the propane tanks. Crews then established an elevated waterway and deployed hand lines to fully extinguish the fire, according to the department’s social media posts.
Gainesville Fire Rescue’s hazardous materials team assessed the propane tanks and other materials to ensure there were no lingering risks.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
