JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, a massive fire severely damaged three homes in Springfield. The incident took place on Ionia Street, near East Eight Street.
The smoke billowing from the fire could be seen from a considerable distance. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, and authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
A witness named Lisa Cochrane, who was a passenger in a passing car, noticed thick black smoke rising into the air. As she approached the source of the smoke, she realized that one of the homes was completely engulfed in flames.
Cochrane expressed her fear and devastation, realizing that it was not just a building but someone’s home that could potentially have people inside.
Another witness, Girardeau Nesbitt, captured a video of the fire using his cell phone. Similar to Cochrane’s footage, the video showed flames shooting up into the sky. Nesbitt expressed concern about the proximity of the fire to other houses, as well as the burning trees, making the situation even more intense.
Several other neighbors shared these worries about the fire spreading to nearby homes. According to Eric Prosswimmer, the spokesperson for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), the fire did indeed extend to other houses.
At one point, three houses were simultaneously on fire. The main house suffered extensive damage, with a significant collapse that prevented firefighters from entering. For their safety, the firefighters were forced to withdraw shortly after attempting to enter.
Investigators have determined that two of the three homes were unoccupied, while the third was undergoing renovations. However, it remains uncertain whether anyone was living in the third home at the time of the fire.
