An early-morning fire tore through a one-story house on Percy Creek Drive in Jacksonville’s Northside, leaving the homeowner reeling and two firefighters with minor burn injuries. Lashanna Gilbert, who was out of town when the flames ripped through her home, called the loss “heartbreaking” and said years of memories were gone in a matter of minutes. Crews swept through the house searching for anyone who might have been inside before getting the blaze under control.
Gilbert told First Coast News she had been vacationing in Texas with her 11-year-old son and left Jacksonville on Sunday evening. She plans to return next week to see what is left of the property. Gilbert said she moved into the house nearly a year ago and has since seen a strong wave of support from friends, neighbors and the wider community as word of the fire spread.
Two Firefighters Hurt Battling Pre-Dawn Flames
Crews from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department were called out around 5:30 a.m., according to News4Jax. Two firefighters suffered minor burns while attacking the flames, were taken to a hospital for treatment, and later released. Officials said the home sustained severe damage, and it was not immediately clear how many people were displaced by the fire.
Cause Under Investigation
The house was declared a total loss, and investigators have opened an inquiry into how the blaze started, Gilbert told First Coast News. She said firefighters went inside to search for possible occupants, a detail that made watching the destruction of her home even harder to process.
Gilbert also noted a package had been delivered to the house on Monday, the day before the fire, and said investigators are working to piece together a clear timeline. As the probe continues, she is leaning on neighbors and friends who have rallied around her while she contacts her insurance company and figures out what comes next.
The two firefighters injured during the response are expected to make a full recovery after being released from the hospital, officials said. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue thanked residents for their patience during the morning response, according to News4Jax.
