JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- New viewer video obtained by Action News shows flames rise high above Butler Boulevard.
Witnesses at the shopping center, like Sara Wright and Casey Marshall, described hearing explosions. "Well, I was working and we just kind of heard a big boom," said Wright.
Marshall said, "We were kind of scared. The building was shaking. Everyone here was kind of freaked out. "
Tuesday afternoon, the future site of 5 Thousand Town, a luxury apartment complex still under construction, caught fire. According to the State Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. JFRD told us propane tanks being used to heat foam to build a rooftop deck were the sources of the explosions. In all, damage is estimated at $80,000 dollars.
JFRD says it took 60 firefighters to douse this blaze. They had it under control in about 15 minutes. But that was 15 minutes of high drama for witnesses, who say they're just glad no one was hurt. "It was pretty intense to watch," said Wright.
The spokesperson for the St. Johns Town Center said the fire did not disrupt any of the stores or restaurants nearby. It's been business as usual.
Construction on 5 Thousand Town started in early 2012. The developer says the 130 unit apartment complex is still set to open in June.
