JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A family lost multiple pets after their Sans Souci house went up in flames on Saturday.
A neighbor said he and others tried to get inside the home on Provost Road East to rescue the pets after flames broke out around 1:30 p.m.
"We tried to get in to get the dogs and cats out, but we couldn't do it because we were afraid if we kicked in the door the place would just go up into an inferno," John Shea said.
He said he called 911 after they saw smoke, walked up to the house and saw the awning up in flames.
The homeowners were at the beach when the fire started.
Fire crews were concerned the fire might spread to neighboring homes because of wind, but they were able to control the flames.
"Today wind is blowing about 15 to 20 knots and the humidity is low, that tends to accelerate fires much more dramatically," said Chip Drysdale with JFRD.
The fire caused significant damage to the home.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire.
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