Woods fire threatens family's Westside home

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A family of three is safe after a fire broke out just yards behind their Westside home Wednesday evening.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department received a call about 8:30 p.m. in reference to a brush fire in the woods near Dusty Road.

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Firefighters arrived within minutes and used two tanker trucks to pour 6,000 gallons of water on the area and they were able to control the fire within 20 minutes.

According to the residents and a home nearby, a man was burning boxes in the fire pit. He believes an ember from the fire blew into the woods. The residents said they noticed smoke but didn't think much of it. Neighbors immediately knocked on their door and told them to look outside where they saw a fire with flames up to 50 feet high.

The couple inside and their 2-year-old daughter made it out of the home safely.

Fortunately, JFRD was able to control the fire and Florida Forest Service also assisted with putting out any remaining hot spots nearby.

The fire chief said during this dry season he does not recommend anyone burning anything outside.