A typically hot and humid July got off to yet another 'sweltering' start as firefighters responded to a Second Alarm apartment fire in the 11000 block of Atlantic Boulevard, specifically an apartment complex known as Cypress Cove. When emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 4 AM, the fire had completely vented with flames bursting through the second story roof, prompting the immediate assignment upgrade that resulted in more than 50 firefighters attempting to extinguish the fire. Greatly assisted by a smoke barrier/ fire wall that prevented the blaze from rapidly spreading to adjacent apartment units, firefighters were able to contain the incident after about 30 minutes. As Ladder 30's aerial drenched the two heavily involved apartment units located at the corner of the building, hot spots were soon identified and extinguished in rapid succession. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, but no injuries were reported despite the substantial damages totaling in excess of $250,000 and massive response required to subdue the fire.
In other July news, the next class of Recruit Graduates will celebrate their achievement in a Graduation Ceremony scheduled for July 13th, beginning at 7 PM at the Training Academy. Earlier that same day, beginning at noon, the grand opening of Fire Station #24 located at 9247 Lem Turner Road will certainly represent yet another milestone within Jacksonville's Fire and Rescue Department.