East County home damaged in fire

A structure fire early this morning has a duplex unit in the Gateway community with about $80,000 in damages.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue responded to the scene at 4420 55th Ave. Drive E., at 5:05 a.m., this morning. Upon arrival, the first unit found heavy fire through the roof on a single story duplex with both units being affected. Both units were reported to be vacant, and no occupants were found during searches, a release by the Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue District states.

A total of 12 fire personnel and two emergency medical services personnel with six pieces of apparatus responded.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Damage to the duplexes is estimated at $80,000.