JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The state fire marshal’s office is investigating after two firefighters were hurt in an early-morning fire.
Around 4 a.m. Friday, emergency crews responded to a fire in the 800 block of West 27th Street, just off Interstate 95.
"There were heavy flames coming from the home upon our arrival," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department spokeswoman Bennie Seth said.
Fire officials said Richard Lundy suffered second-degree burns to the neck, and Darin K. Hooten sustained minor burns to his right forearm.
Lundy, 27, joined JFRD in July 2000, while Lundy has been with the department since December 1996. Both were taken to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center for treatment and have been released.
The home had been vacant since 2003, but renovations began on the property Thursday. Fire investigators believe the fire was suspicious and arson investigators were brought to the scene.
"It’s probably someone from within our community, and it’s not a good thing to hurt the community," neighbor Floyd Bellamy said.