Fire heavily damages Mill St. house

GAINESVILLE - An early evening fire sent firefighters to a house on Gainesville's east side Thursday.

Initial reports indicated there was someone inside the burning duplex at Mill and Elm streets, which was heavily damaged, according to Chief Jon Canada.

"Upon arrival the fire crews found out there was no one inside," Canada said. "They went ahead and did a primary search and did not find anyone. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters."

Mill Street remained closed by fire trucks and equipment. The fire attracted attention from nearby neighbors and homeowners who also heard someone might be in the burning house.

Canada said the cause of the fire was unknown and is under investigation.