In the serene Scarlett Oaks neighborhood near Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, a house fire in the early hours of Saturday brought tragedy and upheaval. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) reported the loss of a dog and the displacement of the homeowner due to the blaze.
Captain Eric Prosswimmer from JFRD detailed the fire’s origin. It began in a bedroom, swiftly spreading up a wall and into the attic, a particularly hazardous area due to its open space and exposed wood, allowing rapid fire spread.
A retired fire chief, residing nearby, was the first to alert authorities, initially mistaking popping sounds for roof work. Upon realizing the severity, he immediately called 911, seeing heavy smoke and flames. These popping noises, as Prosswimmer explained, were from a significant amount of ammunition stored in the homeowner’s gun safe, detonating under the intense heat.
Thankfully, the homeowner was not present during the incident. However, the aftermath is daunting. The Red Cross is stepping in to aid the displaced homeowner, while JEA has cut off power to the damaged residence. Investigators are now meticulously working to uncover the cause of this devastating fire.