JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Eastside daycare has reopened nearly two years after a refrigerator caused a damaging fire, resulting in the center’s closure and the displacement of 55 children.
One year and eight months later, Natasha Griffin, owner of Kinder Kollege Learning Center, was happy to be back in business after such a challenging time.
‘We put everything back exactly how it was." Griffin said.
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From the toddler room to the infant area, it was as if the fire in August 2024 had never happened.
The multi-purpose room was once covered in smoke; now it’s a bright, open space for kids to enjoy again.
According to the fire report from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, the origin of the fire was a newly purchased refrigerator. Griffin said the company for the product did not want to take responsibility.
There were tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Griffin said attorneys are not taking the case because no one was injured.
“It has been a challenge, from contractors from insurance from everything. We were able to get everything back up and running, but we are still dealing with litigation,” Griffin told News4JAX.
Despite the setbacks, Griffin moved forward to restore her business and provide for the community again.