JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department was on scene of a 3-alarm fire reported inside of an apartment building currently under construction in the city's Downtown area throughout Sunday night into Monday afternoon.
The fire was at the Rise Doro Apartments, located at 960 East Adams St. The apartment complex has been under construction for several months. The fire was reported at 9:30 p.m. Sunday and no injuries have been reported, according to JRFD.
JFRD Chief Keith Powers says the fire started on the 6th floor and is continuing to move through the building due to "void spaces."
A 3-alarm fire is considered a serious fire where the amount of resources used on extinguishing the fire, are "duplicated" twice from the original amount, JFRD says. Resources include firefighters, firetrucks and etc.
"This fire went to a third alarm, which means we have about 110 firefighters on scene, and that consists of about 12 engines, seven ladders, six rescues and a multitude of support apparatus," Powers told First Coast News. "We're gonna be here for hours to come," JFRD Captain Eric Prosswimmer added.
110 firefighters is about one-fifth the size of JFRD at any given time on duty, according to Powers. He says firefighters "made a big stand" with containing the fire so that it didn't spread to flammable items inside of Intuition Ale Works nearby.
In terms of a potential collapse of the apartment, Powers says with the roof burning, the walls can either cave in or fall outward which then loses the integrity of the building so, "there is a concern." On air quality, Powers is advising people to stay indoors or seek medical help if bothered by smoke but, weather conditions are windy so, "luckily" the smoke isn't sitting in one place.
Powers says the sprinkler system in the apartment building 'did not activate' for reasons unknown as the State Fire Mashal is investigating.
First Coast News crews are on scene, along with Jacksonville Sheriff's Office vehicles which are currently blocking off A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, East Adams Street, East Duval Street, and a portion of Bay Street from Georgia Street to Lafayette Street.
This is a developing story.
