Special to The Leader

East Jefferson Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire in Paradise Bay at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Monday, March 4.

Several neighbors called 911 after observing a large column of smoke and flames, while initial fire crews observed a well-established fire on West Boat Road.

The double-wide mobile home’s occupants smelled smoke and evacuated to a neighbor’s home, with one resident transported to Jefferson Healthcare, but later released, according to Fire Chief Bret Black.

Engines 6, 7 and 8, plus Medic 2, MSO 1, fire chiefs and water tender volunteers responded to the incident, for a total of 19 responding personnel.

The first arriving engines connected to the hydrant, initiating the fire fight, and kept the fire from extending to neighboring structures.

The structure was completely destroyed by the fire, whose cause is under investigation.

The County’s Fire Marshal and Building Official received notice, which is standard post-fire procedure, while East Jefferson Fire Rescue received support from its agency partners.

Navy Region Northwest, at Indian Island, covered the fire district during the incident, while Jefferson County Public Utility District #1 secured the utility lines.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office supported the incident with the use of their drone.