JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department said it took more than 50 firefighters and over four hours to put out a fire at a Mandarin apartment complex that displaced 34 residents on Thursday.
The American Red Cross is helping at least 34 residents at the Waterford at Mandarin Apartments on San Jose Boulevard with emergency assistance.
Jacksonville Fire Rescue crews, between 50 and 75 members fought the fire for over four hours.
Captain Eric Prosswimmer said it could have been a lot worse once the fire reached the building’s attic.
“It’s manpower intensive...You’ve got a lot of work to do to get ahead of this fire. You have to get up to the top floor, start pulling ceilings and see it it’s in the attic. It was in the attic so at that point you have to get ahead of it. So as crews arrived, they were calling more and more up and pulling multiple lines,” Prosswimmer said.
He said one person was hurt and taken to the hospital.
Volunteers are working to provide financial assistance for food, clothing, temporary lodging and other essentials the residents will need.
A spokesperson of the complex’s owners said they’re working quickly to help customers.
