House Fire Primarily Contained to Garage on McLeod Drive

October 28, 2024

On Monday morning, October 28, at approximately 1:45 a.m., the Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD) responded to a structure fire located on McLeod Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a garage and spreading into the main residence. TFD crews quickly began extinguishing the fire – preventing further damage to the home and containing it primarily to the garage area.

Firefighters searched the structure and determined that everyone was out of the house. One individual sustained minor burns to the arms and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The cause of the fire appears to have been electrical.

The Tallahassee Fire Department was assisted on scene by Leon County EMS, Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Talquin Electric Cooperative.

The Tallahassee Fire Department would like to remind all residents of the life-saving importance of smoke alarms. Properly functioning smoke alarms provide critical early warning of a fire, helping you and your family reach safety when every second counts.

Here are some essential tips to ensure your smoke alarms are ready:

• Test your alarms: Press the test button once a month to ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly.
• Replace batteries: Change the batteries at least once a year or whenever you hear a chirping sound. Many newer smoke alarms come with a sealed 10-year battery, eliminating the need to change batteries during the alarm's lifespan. These newer models with sealed 10-year batteries don’t require battery replacements, but they still need to be tested regularly.
• Install alarms on every level: Place smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every floor, including the basement.
• Know the lifespan: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, even if they appear to be working.