House burns although no reported injuries

Fire Rescue Lieutenant Jeremy Robshaw alerted Historic City News reporters that St Johns County firefighters, aided by first responders from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, responded to a residential structure fire this morning in the 1200 block of Tangerine Drive.

The single-family home is located in the Mandarin Meadows South subdivision of St Johns.

“We received the call at approximately 9:00 a.m.,” Robshaw told reporters. “Upon arrival, our crews found heavy smoke and flames showing from the rear of the structure.”

Following proper protocol, fire crews first confirmed that the structure was evacuated. Robshaw said there were no civilian or department injuries reported during the incident.

Firefighters established a water supply, set out their strategy, and then began an aggressive attack on the fire.

“Heavy winds encountered this morning fueled the fire and making extinguishment efforts very difficult,” Robshaw told Historic City News. “It took about 20 minutes for the fire to be safely contained.”

The incident report did not indicate if the residence could be inhabited; however, according to Robshaw, the damages to the home are “significant”. No dollar amount for damages has been established at this time. The loss sustained is primarily due to the extent of fire prior to arrival, Robshaw explained.

Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the rear of the home and roof structure, although heavy smoke and heat damage are present throughout the residence.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the St Johns County Office of the Fire Marshal.