JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More than six people, including two children, have been displaced after a fire damaged their apartments.
It happened around 1:30 p.m. at The Preserve at Cedar River apartments in the Westside.
Christian Purser shot video of the flames ripping through the units. He happened to be driving by when he noticed heavy smoke.
"We grabbed the fire extinguisher from the front and went back there and tried to put some of it out but the flames were just, it was way too powerful," said Purser.
According to the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, the fire started in a bottom unit and quickly spread upstairs.
Purser said he and another man arrived within minutes and started banging on the doors to see if anyone was still inside.
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"I go down to the apartment on the lower level next to it to try to kick the door down and the apartment that's on fire, that door just collapses, and giant flame and smoke comes out at me," said Purser.
No one was inside the apartments when the fire started.
JFRD said 31 firefighters responded to the call. It took them about 10 minutes to contain the flames.
One neighbor who lives inside the complex said at least one apartment was gutted.
"It got destroyed and gotta start over again," said Odie Priester.
A man who lived by himself in one of the damaged upstairs units said he had recently renewed his lease for another six months. He along with other families are receiving financial assistance and temporary lodging thanks to the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross said a total of four units were affected. The state fire marshal is investigating what caused the fire.