West Augustine mattress fire investigated

Early this morning, Historic City News freelance photographer Christopher Kimball reported to the St. Augustine local news desk that investigators are still looking into the cause of what was originally reported as a structure fire in the Dancy Tract in West Augustine.

On the scene at 1042 Bruen Street, between Orange and North Clay Streets, Kimball arrived to find firefighters had extinguished the smoldering remains of a mattress — which they were able to isolate and remove from the residence.

Damage from the fire was contained to one room by firefighters from Station 14.

While fire and other county emergency personnel were in route, the owner called to say the fire was out; when indeed, it was not. Fire and rescue personnel cordoned off the area until detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office could interview witnesses and collect evidence from the house.

What ignited the charred mattress is not yet known. Fire and Sheriff’s investigators will update Historic City News when more information is available.

Photo credit: © 2010 Historic City News freelance photographer Christopher Kimball