8 people displaced in Arlington apartment complex fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Eight people have been displaced due to a fire Friday night at The Reserve at Water's Inlet on Arlington Expressway.

Residents in the area first reported the fire to Action News.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department first responded to the scene at 7:35 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming from two apartments.

A resident of one of the apartments told Action News the fire started in a downstairs apartment and it spread upstairs and next door. The resident said she escaped out the back door after she heard and smelled it.

The Red Cross is helping the eight people, who are from three different families, with temporary lodging and financial assistance to replace items like food and clothing, according to Red Cross Communications Manager Amber Bierfreund.

Red Cross volunteers are working with the complex's managers to locate any additional people in need of assistance.

WJAX