More than 35 emergency professionals responded to a 3-alarm fire at 720 Applegate Street in Jacksonville on July 16. The homeowner called 911 at 2:30 am and reported smelling smoke. Jacksonville fire crews arrived on-scene a few minutes later and found part of the house already engulfed in flames.
Fire professionals called-in from Fire District 3 and Medford Fire arrived moments later to assist. Off-duty Jacksonville firefighters who were driving into town to join the fight, reported seeing flames as high as 50’ in the distance. Not only was the two-story house a complete loss, major damage was also caused to homes on both side of the property. The heat from the fire was so intense that it melted shutters on the home next door and melted parts of a vehicle parked in a neighboring driveway.
As soon as the alarm sounded, members of Jacksonville’s Community Emergency Response Team also joined the response effort, assisting with traffic control and neighborhood control issues. The home is located a half mile from Jacksonville’s historic core in a densely populated part of Jacksonville that is surrounded by large pine trees. Fire officials commented that thanks to the quick response from Jacksonville Fire, many homes were likely saved. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the family Golden Retriever (confirmed) and two cats (unconfirmed) perished in the fire.
The Review expects to receive a press release from Fire Chief Devin Hull and will post it as soon as possible.
Sad news for our community member. Such a wonderful response team. How grateful we all are that the damage was contained as it was. Thanks for the news, Whit.