An apartment fire in the Tower Oaks neighborhood sent one man to the hospital after jumping from a second story window, according to an Alachua County Department of Public Safety press release.

At 2 a.m. Alachua County Department of Public Safety personnel and Gainesville Fire Rescue personnel responded to 1817 SW 69th Terrace.

When ACDPS arrived on scene, the apartment was fully engulfed by fire. One of the residents had jumped from the second story bedroom window and was transported to Shands. The three other occupants, including a 15 year old, escaped the apartment without injury.

ACDPS with the help of GFR were able to quickly contain the fire, which prevented any damage to the neighboring apartment. The cause of the fire is unknown, and the State Fire Marshal’s responded to investigate.

The apartment was considered a total loss and the Red Cross was requested to aid the residents. It is unknown if there were any working smoke detectors in the apartment.

ACDPS reminds all citizens to have working smoke detectors installed in all homes and check the batteries once a month. The National Fire Protection Association recommends escape ladders be placed near windows of two story homes.