A fire destroyed a single-family home on Merritt Island early Monday, according to Brevard County fire officials. The blaze was reported just before 2:30 a.m. by a neighbor who saw flames coming from the structure at 13204 Atlantic Avenue. Firefighters arrived within minutes and contained the fire to the home, but it was fully engulfed by the time they arrived. No one was injured, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The home, which had been vacant for several months, was owned by a local couple who could not be reached for comment. Neighbors said the property had been unoccupied for at least a year and had not been maintained. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, said the home had been a target for vandals in the past.
The fire department is working with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to determine what started the blaze. Officials said they are looking into whether the fire was accidental or intentional. The home was not insured, and the owners have not filed a claim.
The fire is the latest in a series of incidents on Merritt Island, where officials have been working to address concerns about vacant properties and fire hazards. In recent months, the county has increased efforts to identify and secure abandoned homes.
Firefighters from the Titusville Fire Department and the Brevard County Fire Rescue were on the scene for nearly two hours. No other structures were damaged, and the fire did not spread to nearby homes.