Early Morning Fire Contained at Downtown Gainesville Commercial Building
Photo by Gainesville Fire RescueFire crews operate outside a commercial building as heavy fire shows from the structure during an overnight response.
Photo by Gainesville Fire RescueFirefighters advance hoselines through smoke conditions while suppressing flames along the exterior of the building.
Photo by Gainesville Fire RescueCrews work behind a beer garden area as smoke conditions increase during fire suppression efforts.
Photo by Gainesville Fire RescueMultiple fire apparatus line the street as crews complete suppression and overhaul operations at the scene.
February 2, 2026 – Gainesville Fire Rescue crews responded early Sunday morning to a building fire in the 200 block of Southwest 2nd Avenue after reports of heavy fire activity.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., units arrived on scene to find significant fire showing from the exterior of a commercial building. Firefighters quickly initiated suppression efforts, bringing the fire under control and preventing it from extending into the main structure. Crews also conducted primary search operations to ensure no occupants were inside at the time of the incident.
According to Gainesville Fire Rescue, the fire appears to have originated from an exterior porch area. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire officials are reminding the public that both the City of Gainesville and Alachua County are currently under a burn ban. Extremely cold and dry weather conditions significantly increase the risk of fires. Residents are urged to avoid open burning and to use extra caution with heating sources and other potential ignition hazards.
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