An overnight fire tore through several units at the Landon Imperial Apartments on Jacksonville’s Southside, sending two adults to local hospitals and forcing a dozen residents out of their homes. One of the hospitalized adults suffered life-threatening injuries, and fire crews stayed on scene into the morning to secure damaged units and knock down lingering hot spots. Neighbors and property managers scrambled to line up temporary places for families and pets while firefighters worked.
What officials reported
According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, two adults were taken to the hospital and 12 people, including seven adults and five children, were displaced by the blaze. The American Red Cross was called in to help those residents, and the Florida Office of the State Fire Marshal will investigate how the fire started. Officials have not released a suspected cause while investigators finish securing and reviewing the scene.
Fire response on the ground
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crews were the first to arrive and carried out searches of the affected units while paramedics treated the injured, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department confirmed through its public information channels. Property management worked alongside crews to account for residents and to identify which apartments, if any, were safe to re-enter. JFRD reminded residents that structural damage and heavy smoke can leave units dangerous even after the visible flames are out.
Red Cross and short-term aid
The American Red Cross and local volunteers are helping families with emergency shelter, clothing and other immediate needs, First Coast News reports. Residents looking for help can also find information on local services through the Red Cross website. Community members quickly began organizing clothing and supply drives for those forced out, while property staff started compiling lists of damaged units. Short-term housing options and longer-term casework are expected to be coordinated among property managers, the Red Cross and city social service partners.
Investigation and safety reminders
The Florida Office of the State Fire Marshal will handle the origin-and-cause investigation, consistent with its role in examining suspicious or destructive fires across the state, officials said. The agency outlines its investigative responsibilities on its public website. While investigators work to pin down what sparked the blaze, fire officials are urging residents to test smoke alarms, keep exits and hallways clear and practice a home evacuation plan. Anyone with photos or video of the fire is being asked to share that material with investigators to help with the probe.
How to get help
Residents affected by the fire are encouraged to contact Jacksonville Fire and Rescue or the Northeast Florida chapter of the American Red Cross for up-to-date information on shelter, financial assistance and recovery resources. Witnesses or anyone with images or footage that could aid the investigation are asked to provide it to the department’s public information office so officials can review it. City agencies and nonprofit partners are expected to post updated resource options for displaced families as more information becomes available.
