Palencia firefighters put to test

The new fire station at Palencia was put to the test this morning when a St. Johns County deputy reported a residential structure fire in the 6500 block of US-1 North, according to a report received by Historic City News this morning.

Lt. Jeremy Robshaw told Historic City News that the call came in to Fire Rescue about 4:15 a.m. this morning — the first units arrived on the scene, about 3 or 4 miles north of the Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine, within approximately 15 minutes.

Residents in the area told officials that the structure was vacant and unoccupied.

In addition to the newly opened Station 15, Stations 12, 16, 4 and 1 responded, as well as a Battalion Chief, Safety Officer and Fire Investigator.

They were too late to save the home.

Still smoldering at lunchtime today, the fire spread fast, before firefighters arrived — the damage was extensive. Brick walls are partially standing, the roof completely collapsed, light smoke can still be seen rising from the ruins of what was once someone’s home.

Robshaw told Historic City News that the dollar figures for the property loss will be released with the investigative report; however, the home has been declared a total loss.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the source and cause of the fire.

There were no civilian injuries reported, but one firefighter was transported to Flagler Hospital for evaluation of a minor wrist injury.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer