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House fire in Scarlett Oaks neighborhood leaves dog dead, homeowner displaced

Fire damage at house in Scarlett Oaks neighborhood. (WJXT, Copyright 2023 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A house fire early Saturday morning left a dog dead and the homeowner displaced in the Scarlett Oaks neighborhood near Fort Caroline Road, according to JFRD.

Captain Eric Prosswimmer of the JFRD explained where the fire started.

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“It started in the bedroom. It worked its way up a wall and got into the attic space pretty quickly. That is a big concern for us because the attic spaces are wide open and allow for fire to travel rapidly. But all the wood members are exposed,” Prosswimmer said.

He also said a retired fire chief who lives nearby alerted first responders about the fire. He heard popping noises and thought it was roof work being done. He called 911 when he went outside and saw heavy smoke and flames.

Prosswimmer said the homeowner had an extensive gun collection in a safe. The popping noises were from multiple rounds of ammunition going off like the sound of a firework or a gunshot.

The Red Cross is helping the homeowner, who was not home at the time the fire started and JEA had to cut power to the house.

Investigators are working to find out what caused the house fire.


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