Three people, dog escape Jacksonville Beach house fire

Investigators are trying to figure out what caused an early-morning fire that destroyed a Jacksonville Beach home.

Firefighters responded to the fire at the intersection of 12^th Avenue and 9^th Street around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Cellphone video captured by a neighbor shows huge flames and heavy smoke pouring out of the home.

Investigators say the three people and a dog made it out safely.

Frank Matkovic watched as his neighbor’s house went up in flames.

“I knew that house was in big trouble,” Matkovic said.

Frank Matkovic’s wife Terri said she woke up to a loud noise.

“I heard a noise, and I couldn’t tell if it was one of two booms,” she said. “The whole house was engulfed, it was a pretty big fire."

Firefighters say the fire started somewhere in the back of the home, where most of the damage is. They say the home is a total loss. Neighbors said they were worried te fire was going to spread, but firefighters said they were able to put it out quickly.

Investigators said those inside were able to get out safely because one of the roommates heard a popping sound. Investigators say that sound may have saved their lives because there were no working smoke detectors.

“They are very lucky she woke up to noise, and a police officer was driving by about the same time they woke up, and everything worked out, and it could’ve definitely been a worse outcome,” Steve Sciotto, fire marshal for the city of Jacksonville Beach, said.

Alex Balosie, one of the tenants said he realizes their good fortune.

“All of the other stuff is replaceable,” he said.

“I hope we never see something like that again for sure,” Matkovic said.

The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

Cox Media Group