Frigid night leads to at least 5 Jacksonville fires and 1 death; more cold to come

With temperatures plunging to the mid-30s and low-40s and wind chills in the 20s overnight, fire risks rose and led to at least five fully-involved fires and one fatality in Jacksonville.

The Fire and Rescue Department said crews responded residential structure fires across Jacksonville late Monday night, Nov. 10, and into Tuesday morning, Nov. 11.

The fatality happened at a mobile home on Trail Ridge Road, according to news partner First Coast News.

No causes have been determined, but the fire department advised a Red Flag Warning was in effect for Duval County.

“Even though Jacksonville is under a year-round burn ban, dry and windy conditions mean fires can start and spread quickly,” the department said.

Weather forecasters also advised that temperatures could reach freezing levels into Wednesday for the Jacksonville area.

Here are some weather-related tips

Cover or bring sensitive plants inside.

Check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

Layer your clothing warmth.

Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn.

Avoid leaving space heaters unattended.

Inspect electrical cords for damage.

(Note the house fire photo used for the promo is not the fatality but another Jacksonville fire in October.)

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Frigid night leads to at least 5 Jacksonville fires and 1 death

Frigid night leads to at least 5 Jacksonville fires and 1 death; more cold to come

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