Suncoast house with hurricane shutters up, interferes with firefighters ability to distinguish a fire

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

Charlotte County Public Safety

Yesterday (June 22) at approximately 3:42 p.m., crews were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the roof of a home on Graham St SE. Upon arrival, Engine 1 found a single-story residential structure with smoke showing from the ridge vent.

The home still had hurricane shutters still on, which made it more difficult for crews to quickly access the structure. This is your reminder that shutters should only be on your home when a storm is approaching. Not only does it help emergency responders gain access if needed, but it also ensures you and your family have multiple ways to escape in case of a fire. Thankfully, there was no injuries and no one was home at the time of the fire. The County Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire to be accidental undetermined.

Responding units: Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 8, Engine 11, Truck 2, Rescue 1, Rescue 10, Medic 1, Support 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, and FP 1.