JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) told First Coast News Tuesday morning that five adults were displaced and one firefighter was injured and hospitalized after an "accidental" house fire happened in the city's East Arlington area.
JFRD says they received a call about the fire around 7 a.m., and that it occurred in the 12200 block of Beaver Run Drive; the fire destroyed the back of a home, according to firefighters.
“We just encountered a lot of heat," said Lt. Nick Vihrachoff. "We were pushing, trying to save this house, and it got a little too hot. Got my ears.”
Vihrachoff says he’s been burned on his ears before, but never quite to this extent.
JFRD Fire Chief Keith Powers was concerned when he learned about the burn and saw the smoke billowing from the fire on his way into work.
“That is scary for us, not just for me, but for the whole department, because it’s one big family," said Powers.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the worst of the damage was on the back of the house.
“I know we worked hard to save as much as we could," said Vihrachoff. "They were appreciative. Everyone who was on scene did what they could, and I’m happy with that.”
Vihrachoff says the burn won’t stop him from being there the next time disaster strikes.
"The men and women are what make us the greatest fire department in the country and I couldn’t be prouder of them," said Powers.
The chief mentioned one of the 911 calls they got was from someone inside, who is taking his fire exam next week. He said the firefighter-to-be was calm and collected making that call, and he’s hoping he’ll make a solid addition to JFRD one day.
The Red Cross was called to assist the adults, according to JFRD.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with expenses.