Hawthorne, FL – Emergency crews in Alachua County responded Tuesday to a fire at Diane’s Old Time BBQ, prompting a full evacuation of the building and traffic delays along U.S. 301 in Hawthorne.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and units from Alachua County Fire Rescue arrived on scene shortly after the blaze was reported. Officials said the restaurant was evacuated immediately as fire crews began working to contain the flames and secure the structure.
The sheriff’s office advised drivers to avoid the stretch of US-301 passing through Hawthorne, noting that emergency vehicles, hoses, and equipment are blocking parts of the roadway. Authorities did not immediately release details on what may have caused the fire or whether anyone was injured.
Firefighters remained on scene through the afternoon to extinguish hot spots and assess the extent of damage to the popular local restaurant. The building is expected to remain closed until inspectors determine whether it is safe to reenter.
Tuesday’s fire created delays for both local commuters and truck traffic, which frequently uses US-301 as a major north-south route connecting Alachua County with Putnam County and the Gainesville metro area. Drivers have been urged to plan alternate routes until the scene is cleared.
Residents in the area reported seeing smoke rising above the highway as crews worked to contain the blaze.
More information is expected as officials complete their investigation and assess structural damage to the restaurant.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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