JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two people were killed in the hospital after a fire Thursday morning at a home on McCargo Street.
Around 10 a.m., JFRD crews working to put out hot spots discovered a third victim inside the home, located near the rear of the structure, according to JSO. The victim, a male, was pronounced dead on scene.
Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office crews arrived to the home within four minutes of receiving the call at 3:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames.
Captain Eric Prosswimmer said the flames were so intense, firefighters couldn't tell if the home was a one- or two-story house when they arrived on the scene. He said they had to pull the firefighters out of the home because it wasn't stable; however, firefighters were able to pull two victims out at the same time.
One person, a woman, was pronounced dead on the scene. A man was taken to the hospital, and he is expected to survive.
Police said there was no power connected to the home. Police are working to identify the homeowner as well as the identities of the two people pulled from the fire. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, JSO said.
Neighbors told firefighters there were two people inside the home. Their identities and ages are not yet available, JFRD said.
JSO's Homicide Unit and investigators from the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives responded to the scene to determine the fire's cause. The house is a total loss, according to JSO.
JEA crews were also called to the scene to help with downed power lines, which made the fire even more dangerous, a JFRD spokesperson said.
Firefighters had to deal with other homes being exposed to the flames and work to prevent them from catching fire also. They worked for hours putting out hot spots.
“I heard a loud boom and I jumped up and looked at my dogs because it was one of the moments where your sleep and you’re like did I hear something and you’re like yeah I did," said a neighbor who wants to remain anonymous.
The neighbor says she ran to her daughter’s room seeing orange flames immediately calling 911.
“The flames just kept getting bigger because unfortunately, they had to check to see if people were in the home and unfortunately, they weren’t able to make it out," the neighbor said.
The neighbor says when she evacuated her family out of her home she was at a loss for words.
“I mean it was very scary for me and my family especially when the firefighters told us that this is your last chance to go into your home and get what you need," the neighbor said.
The State Fire Marshal has been requested to take over the investigation and try to determine the cause of the fire, JFRD said.
Anyone with information that can help police with the investigation is asked to call JSO's non-emergency number at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.