Crime & Public Safety
Deputy, Resident Hurt in Alligator Drive House Fire in Panacea
A structure fire on Alligator Drive in Panacea left two men injured, including a Franklin County deputy, law enforcement said. Local volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded early Sunday morning after reports of a home fire where a resident and a deputy sustained injuries; the resident was taken to a hospital.
First responders on scene included the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department with assistance from law enforcement, EMS and other public safety officers. Investigators noted the residence reportedly had no electricity at the time, and crews stabilized the scene while medical aid was provided to the injured parties.
State investigators have been called in to examine the blaze. The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division and its Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations are conducting an inquiry into the cause. Authorities have said the origin of the fire remains unclear; no cause has been confirmed.
At this time the incident remains under active investigation. Agencies on scene have not released additional findings about fault or prosecution. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is the local law enforcement agency involved and continues to coordinate with state investigators as the probe proceeds.
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