Jacksonville Beach Fire Displaces 6; Tenants Cite Wiring Fears

A fire that broke out Sunday afternoon at a building that mixes shops and homes, on South 3rd Street in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, left at least six people without homes. No injuries were reported, but residents say the building is badly damaged and some tenants are raising questions about its electrical system and smoke alarms. Officials have not said what caused the fire.

What happened

The fire began around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4. The building has a smoke shop on the first floor, a tattoo studio on the second floor and apartments for tenants of three households, according to Action News Jax. Jacksonville fire officials said no one was hurt. At least four clients were inside the tattoo studio when the fire started, and its owner told the station he lost two cats and a bird.

Tenant Stacy Rogers told reporters that she and her husband noticed a popping sound and the smell of electrical smoke before finding their apartment on fire. News4JAX reported that she believes the fire started on the first floor and that at least 12 people were inside as smoke and flames spread. Video the station obtained shows her husband running into the building to help neighbors while she got their daughter and granddaughters out.

What tenants are saying

In her view, bad wiring is what started the blaze, she said in an interview with Action News Jax. The station said it could not independently confirm that with the fire department, and News4JAX reported that the cause had not been released. Her statement is a tenant's belief, not an official finding.

News4JAX reported that several tenants had documented electrical problems in the building, and that some plan to pursue legal action. The report did not name specific claims or defendants. Rogers also told Action News Jax there were "no smoke detectors in any of the places." That claim has not been verified by officials.

Landlord response and building status

Both stations said they could not reach the property owner or landlord for comment. Rogers told News4JAX she expects the building to be condemned and said it is not repairable, but neither report cites an official condemnation order. A donation page has been set up for the family.

What this means for renters

Tenants in mixed-use buildings, where commercial and residential space share wiring and exits, have the same right to a safe home as any other renter. Practical steps if you have electrical concerns:

• Put it in writing. Email or send a dated letter describing flickering lights, hot outlets, buzzing, breakers that trip or burning smells, and keep copies and photos.
• Check smoke alarms yourself. If alarms are missing, tell your landlord in writing and consider contacting your local fire marshal.
• Know when to leave. A burning smell or popping from an outlet is an emergency. Get out and call 911 first.
• Insure your belongings. A landlord's insurance does not cover tenants' possessions or hotel costs; renters insurance does.

Residents who lose their home should keep receipts, document damage with photos if they can safely do so, and ask the landlord in writing about their lease, rent and security deposit. A local tenant attorney or legal aid office can explain options before any legal claim is filed.