JFD responds to 2 fires over weekend

by Cristin Parker cristin@thecherokeean.com
Courtesy photo
Jacksonville firefighters use the department’s ladder truck to bridge the span to the roof of a Jacksonville convenience store which caught fire recently.
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Jacksonville Fire Department had a busy weekend.

According to department officials, Jacksonville firefighters and EMS responded to two fires in Jacksonville – one on Monday and one on Saturday. No injuries were reported in conjunction with either incident.

JFD officials posted on social media Monday, “At 7:15 a.m., on Sept. 23, Jacksonville 911 dispatchers received a call from a neighboring volunteer fire department requesting mutual aid on a vehicle on fire on Dialville Highway.”

Official incident reports indicate Engine 1 responded from Central fire station.

“Upon arrival, a vehicle was found on the shoulder, approximately 50 percent involved,” the department reported on its official Facebook page. “No occupants were present in the vehicle and the blaze was quickly extinguished by Jacksonville Fire Department personnel before it ignited nearby vegetation.”

In a separate incident occurring early Saturday, Sept. 21, Jacksonville 911 dispatchers received a call from a passing motorist advising that they could see flames on the roof of a gas station on South Jackson Street

“At 3:46 a.m., Jacksonville Fire Department was notified and units Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 1, Medic 1 and Medic 3 were en route by 3:49 a.m.,” the department reported. “At 3:53 a.m., the first unit arrived on scene and advised that flames were visible on the roof.

“After confirming there were no occupants, a quick attack was made using hand lines. Ladder 1 was utilized for roof operations and the fire was controlled in a matter of minutes.”

JFD units cleared the scene by 6:40 a.m., with the city’s Fire Marshall remaining on scene to investigate. The fire is still under investigation.