No one was home when firefighters respond to fire in Northwest Cape Coral

This morning, at approximately 9:00 am, the Cape Coral Fire Department responded to a call for a residential structure fire in the 1400 block of NW 2^nd St.

When firefighters arrived on scene, two cars were in the driveway and heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof. A primary search was conducted, and no one was found in the residence. A neighbor was able to reach the homeowners by phone and confirm that they were not home. Three dogs were found inside, and, though Cape Coral firefighters and Lee County EMS personnel conducted CPR and used pet oxygen masks, they were unable to be saved.

Fire hydrants were not available in the area so crews secured two water supplies for fire suppression. A tender shuttle operation was conducted with Cape Coral’s Tender 5 and Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District’s Tender (tanker trucks holding 3000 gallons of water) continually shuttled water from the closest hydrant to the portable drafting tank that would supply fire engines with water. Turbo drafting operations were performed to obtained water from the canal behind the home.

Due to the heat of the day, a second alarm was called to ensure a constant fire attack. Fire crews’ vitals (core temperature, heart rate, etc.) must normalize before they can redress in their gear and resume their fire suppression role. Crews will rotate in and out of rehab to safeguard the well-being of the firefighters and to provide continuous fire operations.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.