JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville family is warning others about a mistake anyone can easily make while trying to keep themselves warm this winter.
Action News Jax reporter Meghan Moriarty reported last week when the family of four lost their Northside home in a fire caused by a space heater.
A week later, and the home on Fernandina Avenue is still in shambles and the front exterior is destroyed.
The family and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said a blanket was left too close to the heater which caused the fire.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the family told Action News Jax they lost everything and they are still living at the house because they have nowhere else to go.
Walter Anderson said he grew up in the house and now he and his cousins live there. He said insurance only covered the debt on the house and they’re struggling to get back on their feet.
Action News Jax received several phone calls from viewers asking how they can help. The family has since set up a GoFundMe for anyone who feels inclined to help and donations have been pouring in. Some community members have also brought supplies to the family.
While they are grateful for the help, they also hope that what happened to them doesn’t happen to anyone else.
“Beware of those heaters. Don’t put them close to anything that can catch on fire. Keep them away from everything. Put them in another room alone if you have to. just be care,” Cedric Hinson, the homeowner, said.