JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Fire destroyed a house near the Eastside in a two-alarm blaze Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were called to the 1900 block of Phoenix Avenue about 10:20 a.m. The roof collapsed at what was described as a hoarder's house, but there were no injuries.
Firefighters said the flames were tough to battle because of all the different materials inside that were burning. They said there was nowhere to move inside, which was why they had to back out and couldn't save the home.
The homeowner, Bob Smith, and his caretaker were able to get out safely.
IMAGES: Firefighters couldn't save home
"I think if you look around the structure, almost every square inch where stuff can be there is stuff there," Fire Chief Marty Senterfitt said. "When they got inside, they had difficultly moving because there was so much stuff inside the house. So of course those are the ones that are most dangerous to firefighters, because when that stuff starts collapsing, it can block your exit and kill you.
"When they recognized what they had and how much fire they had upon arrival, the decision was made to back everybody out, protect life and protect the other houses."
James Wood said he was working at his barber shop next to the house when he smelled something burning.
"I went to the window. I saw the whole street was dark, did not see anything in front of me," Wood said. "By the time I came out the door, I heard the sirens and the fire trucks were already on their way. I looked outside and I could see the flames next door. I was a little concerned about my building because I thought the flames were going to come over and with kids being out of school today. I had one of my kids in the shop with me."
The Red Cross is assisting Smith, who neighbors said has lived in the home for a long time.
Firefighters are investigating the cause of the blaze.