Jacksonville, Florida, witnessed a night of fire-related incidents, with two house fires being attributed to the improper disposal of used fireworks. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department reported that these fires were a direct result of fireworks being left in trash cans near the homes. In a separate incident, an apartment fire in the Northside area resulted in one person sustaining critical injuries.
A citizen shared the moments of the fire on his TikTok account:
Firework Mishaps Lead to Residential Fires
The first of the two fireworks-induced fires occurred just before midnight in the Holiday Hill area of Southside, on Aquarius Circle West. A few hours later, at around 3 a.m., another blaze was reported in the Cisco Gardens area of Westside, on Helmsley Boulevard. These incidents, happening three hours apart and on opposite sides of the city, highlight the dangers associated with the careless handling of fireworks.
Third Fire at The Element at River Pointe Apartments
In a separate incident, The Element at River Pointe apartments on Harts Road became the scene of a critical fire just before 2 a.m. on Monday. This blaze, which the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department stated did not involve fireworks, left one person with critical injuries. The Red Cross is actively assisting three family members who were displaced by the fire. A charred stove, visible near the apartment unit on Monday morning, indicated the intensity of the fire.
The Aftermath and Safety Reminders
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of firework safety, especially during festive celebrations. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department urges residents to exercise caution and proper disposal methods to prevent such dangerous occurrences. The community is also reminded of the critical role of working smoke detectors in ensuring timely alerts in case of fires.