JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A cell phone video captured the terrifying moments as a Mandarin apartment building went up in flames, leaving several families unable to go home Sunday.
"When my dog didn't want to go back into the apartment, I opened the door and there was smoke everywhere," said Toujuan Stringfield, one man whose apartment was destroyed by the fire.
Stringfield said he was home when the fire started in his unit. His girlfriend, Kimberly Pabon, was at work when she got the call.
"The only thing we have left is my jewelry box," said Pabon.
IMAGES: Apartments on fire
She said they lost their clothes, furniture and pet rabbit. All that's left is one necklace.
"I was surprised I was able to get this. He gave it to me as a gift," Pabon said.
Fire officials say at least four units were burned all the way through, and it spread very quickly.
"The fire actually broke out in this building, but there is a common attic that attaches both of these buildings, and in firefighting, that is a very dangerous situation," said Chief Roger Lewis.
The state fire marshal is now trying to determine what may have sparked the blaze. They said the building is most likely a total loss.
"Red Cross is helping us at the moment. Family is helping us," said couple who now have no home.
For Pabon and Stringfield, the focus now is getting back on their feet.
"We're trying to figure things out and start over. We're not sure how, but we'll figure something out."