JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At least three fires broke out in Jacksonville during the weekend, raising concerns about fire safety as the colder months approach.
In response, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Fire Chief Keith Powers emphasized the importance of fire safety during a news conference Monday and led a neighborhood walk to provide fire safety tips to residents.
Within 48 hours, six homes were damaged by fires, and more than a dozen have been affected in the past week, according to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
On Saturday morning, fire crews responded to a house fire on North River Court, where a woman was found dead inside the home.
The following morning, another fire broke out on Pipit Avenue. Photos from the scene show the home engulfed in smoke as firefighters battled the flames.
A man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and later died, according to his family.
Later, crews were called to a fire on Knoll Drive.
Flames were visible from the back of the home, and firefighters rescued a man by pulling him through a window. The two firefighters involved in the rescue were injured and taken to the hospital, along with the man and another resident. Tragically, a dog died in the fire.
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“There was a firefighter who ran into this house last night before he had an opportunity to put gear on his face. He’s injured because of it, but that’s what these guys do, you know, and we appreciate them so much,” Deegan said.
Chief Powers advised Jacksonville residents to ensure they have working smoke detectors, keep space heaters away from combustible materials, and avoid leaving Christmas lights on overnight.
“All the things that we all know, but we’re just out here to reinforce today because we want everyone to have a safe and wonderful, you know, holiday season,” Powers said.
Following the recent house fire, firefighters and the mayor distributed smoke detectors and fire prevention materials to help keep residents safe during the winter months.
Gerald Schofield, who was working on a home in the neighborhood, expressed his appreciation for the resources.
“At first, like I stated before, I thought that something was erratic wrong and I turned back around and saw that a house was burnt down. Now that I understand why they are here, and it’s a good thing that they are here,” Schofield said.
Deegan and Powers also encouraged Jacksonville residents to take advantage of the city’s program, which provides and installs free smoke detectors for qualifying residents.
