JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A military family is without their home after it caught fire on Sunday in the Trout River Bluff neighborhood in northwest Jacksonville.
The family told Action News Jax their home is a total loss, but they’re lucky to be alive.
David Pappalardo witnessed the fire; his son lives down the street.
“I was leaving my yard from my house. I seen the smoke, and I said, ‘That’s in my son’s neighborhood.’ I could see it from 10 miles away,” he said. “He was cooking steaks and stuff like that on the grill. Your natural mind is to always worry about your family.”
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Action News Jax talked with the homeowner who said she was in the shower when her dogs started barking — alerting the family that something was awfully wrong.
That’s when the homeowner said her husband looked up and saw the roof was on fire.
The family tells Action News Jax everyone got out safe, including the dogs.
Pappalardo said his heart goes out to the family — adding that a house fire is his biggest fear.
“We just recently had fire protection in our house installed, so we have alerts, and they automatically call the fire department,” he said.
Pappalardo’s also said he hopes they find comfort and support in their trying time.
“That, to me, is the biggest tragedy is they have no place now. All their belongings is gone. They couldn’t get everything out — even the cars are burned in the garage,” he added.
JFRD reported the fire started in the garage; the department is still working to figure out what caused it.
JFRD has instructions on what to do if you’ve lost your home in a disaster.
You can view the list here.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a fire danger warning for Monday.
The agency warns of dry conditions and breezy winds that could increase fire danger.
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