1 dead, 1 firefighter hurt in Westside apartment fire

Firefighter suffered heat exhaustion putting out fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

A person died and a firefighter suffered minor injuries in a fire Saturday morning that tore through six apartment units in a complex off Confederate Point Road, fire officials said.

At around 6 a.m., fire crews were called to the Preserve at Cedar River Apartments, officials said. In one of the six units burned in the fire, fire crews found the body of a person, officials said. 

One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion while putting out the fire, according to the president of the Jacksonville Firefighters Association Randy Wyse. 

Authorities have not released any information regarding the person who died. Homicide investigators were called to the scene, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said. Police said they are working with the management of the apartment complex to determine whose name is on the lease for the unit in which the body was found.  

At least 20 people were affected by the fire, officials said.

Fire crews said that two of the six units that burned sustained severe damage.

Fire crews cut the power to the burned units to prevent further issues, officials said.

American Red Cross offers help to survivors

The Red Cross Disaster Relief Team was at the scene assisting those affected. Volunteer Eric Germanson was speaking to survivors, trying to get help for such simple things as presentable clothes to wear, since many were only in pajamas, because of how early in the morning the fire started. 

“The immediate concern is that they’re homeless, so they believe that they’re out in the cold," Germanson said. "Nobody has told them anything else. The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department is busy with the fire and what not, but the Red Cross can provide that immediate assistance because they’re concerned that they might not have somewhere to sleep tonight.”

Germanson said about half the people they offered assistance to accepted it. It’s still unclear when the survivors can return to their homes, or when they'll know the full extent of the damage.

With it being close to Christmas, Germanson said you can’t help but wonder about the gifts that were lost.

"Unfortunately, we don’t replace them immediately but they’re lucky to have themselves and be safe this evening.”

Germanson gave a simple reminder of the ultimate gift of life that the survivors will get to celebrate this season, but, he also said there are community groups to help with replacing any gifts lost in the fire.