Dispatcher Fired, Firefighter Reassigned Following Fla. Condo Fire

A dispatcher has been fired and a firefighter was reassigned following an investigation into a condo complex fire that caused $2.5 million in damage.

The two St. Johns County Fire Rescue employees were disciplined following the July 13 fire damaged 20 units in the Ponte Vedra building, a source told the St. Augustine Record. 

In an earlier report, firefighters were called to the complex to investigate smoke at 4:05 a.m. The crew 

Laura Griffith initially called 911 at 4:05 a.m. to report a smoke smell in the back of the building, according to an earlier report.

At 4:22 a.m., Griffith called again, but the dispatcher said crews were unable to determine the source of the smoke and cleared the scene. She said they did not meet with her.

When she called at 4:51 a.m., a smoke alarm could be heard going off in the background and crews returned to the scene.

By 5:15 a.m., heavy fire engulfed the building. The fire was brought under control two hours later.

Officials did not disclose the detail of the disciplinary actions.