ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County family of seven was left homeless after a fire, believed to have been sparked by a charging e-bike, tore through their Beachwalk neighborhood home early Wednesday morning, forcing them to seek community support as they face months of displacement.
The Miller Family was displaced from their Killarney Avenue home in the Beachwalk neighborhood after a blaze broke out in the garage.
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Fire crews responded around 2:15 a.m. to contain the fire that was believed to have been started by an E-bike being charged, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue. No one was injured, but the devastation to the residence has left the family displaced for potentially 7 to 8 months, the GoFundMe said.
“They are now facing the challenge of securing temporary housing and replacing items that were lost in the fire. We are asking our community to come together to support the Millers during this difficult time,” organizers of the GoFundMe said.
It also noted that homeowners’ insurance would not replace most of the items that were lost in the fire.
Erica Miller said she woke up in the middle of the night to a wall of smoke.
“Just hit with a big black wall of smoke,” she said.
There were five kids in the house, from 1 year old to 14, and two dogs who also escaped safely, but were shaken up.
Miller said they saved up for years to buy the e-bike for her son, and they had it plugged in there for two years with no problem, until Wednesday morning.
While the house was majorly damaged, there were property restoration companies at the house. Miller said she hopes that the home they bought in 2022 is still salvageable.
“A wave of emotions, very upsetting, very frustrating,” she said.
If you would like to donate to help the family with temporary living expenses and unexpected repair costs, click here.