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Fire at Jacksonville family's home deemed suspicious, officials say

Fire damaged the home of a Jacksonville mother and her three children Monday morning.

Two pairs of charred soccer cleats sit on the porch of the home on Breve Drive.

A family member told Action News Jax that much of the family’s belongings were destroyed and the home is unlivable.

“All their toys, her clothes. It’s sad,” Terrence Phillips said.

He was among neighbors who said they heard arguing coming from the home Sunday night before the fire.

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“I heard arguing, I came out looked down the street. I seen them arguing,” he said. "When I seen that there I was just like, 'Oh man. I don’t understand.'"

He said when he woke up the next morning, he saw the damage -- black char covering the home and shattered glass in the window sills.

Action News Jax called and emailed the state fire marshal and found out the fire is considered suspicious. The cause is under investigation.

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Family said right now the children and their mom are staying with a relative while they work to find a new place to live.

The fire marshal is encouraging anyone with information about the fire to contact the Arson Tip Hotline at 1-877-662-7766. Callers can remain anonymous and information leading to a successful arrest and prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward.