A fire that took hold of a Mandarin apartment complex last night has left one person hospitalized and more than 30 residents displaced. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) was called to Waterford at Mandarin Apartments around 6 p.m. following reports of heavy fire and smoke, as Capt. Eric Prosswimmer detailed in an interview obtained by First Coast News. The flames reportedly began in a second-story apartment before extending to the attic and affected as many as eight units in the complex.
Despite the swift response of emergency crews who minimized the potential destruction, the power to the entire building had to be shut off, leaving at least 31 people without a home as per JFRD reports. The individual transported to the hospital suffered non life-threatening injuries, Capt. Prosswimmer emphasized, commenting on the seriousness of the situation: "This could have been a lot worse, because once it gets into the attic, that fire runs and there's nothing you can do about it," as mentioned on First Coast News.
In the wake of the disaster, The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide emergency assistance. At least 34 residents are receiving help from the organization which includes financial assistance for essentials like food, clothing, and temporary lodging. The efforts by volunteers are pivotal in restoring a semblance of normalcy for those affected, as detailed by News4JAX and corroborated by ActionNewsJax.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by JFRD. Further details will emerge as responders continue to assess the damage and search for the origins of this destructive event.
