Improperly discarded smoking materials sparked blaze at Jacksonville’s Furniture Plus

The June 3 fire at Furniture Plus in Jacksonville has been ruled accidental, according to the City of Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Fire Department responded to the significant structure fire at the business, located on N. Marine Blvd.

The Jacksonville Fire Investigation Unit investigated the origin and cause of the fire. Officials said the investigation included information from community members, a fire investigator from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, and a review of documentation.

According to the city, the fire was caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.

The Jacksonville Fire Department thanked responding agencies, volunteers, and citizens whose assistance and information helped investigators reach that conclusion.