Two people are in the hospital with critical injuries and bad burns, following a house fire on the Northside of Jacksonville. Family tells Action News Jax the fire started because of a space heater.
“My mom is in Gainesville. She’s going to have surgery Friday,” Travis Hayes said. His mother was transported to Shands Hospital’s burn unit in Gainesville. “They’re trying—they’re keeping her alive. She’s doing all right. but it’s just — it’s hard.”
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In a 911 call obtained by Action News Jax, you can hear the fire victim screaming, “Get us out!”
Hayes told Action News Jax reporter Meghan Moriarty that 42% of his mother’s body was burned in the fire.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) responded to the home on the Northside on Monday night. Fire was blowing out of the front window and shot up to the second floor.
“I think one of the blankets or something like that was next to the heater,” Hayes said. “(It) ended up catching on fire.”
JFRD said one woman was trapped inside the bathroom on the second floor, and two other victims were found laying in the front yard. The woman—trapped inside—called 911. She told the 911 dispatcher that she was having trouble breathing.
“They’re coming,” the 911 dispatcher said. “They’re coming. Listen. Try to remain calm and block the smoke ma’am. Get low.”
At one point the caller becomes unresponsive, but the dispatcher stayed on the line working to get fire crews to the second floor. Chief Powers said the dispatcher played a critical role in finding the woman.
“She (the victim) was still on the phone and our 911 dispatcher did a phenomenal job,” JFRD Chief Keith Powers said. “(She) heard our crews go by, and said, ‘Hey, she’s right there. Where are y’all? I just heard your radios.’”
Juliet Rich was one of the dozens of neighbors who ran outside of their home when they heard what could be described as a popping noise.
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“At that point, it was just like mass chaos,” Rich said. “There’s people coming from all around saying ‘Fire, fire, fire.’”
With colder temperatures approaching, the fire department is urging families to be safe when using different devices to stay warm. It’s also important to check the batteries in your smoke detector. If you don’t have a smoke detector and would like to have one installed in your home, call 630-CITY.
This year alone, JFRD has been dispatched to 78 fires. Five people died as a result of a fire, and eight people sustained injuries.
We’re still awaiting official confirmation from the State Fire Marshal regarding the cause of the fire.
In the meantime, the family is asking for prayers and help.
“I’d love for you to pray for my mom,” Hayes said.