One Dead in July 4th West Medford Three-Alarm Fire

This is an update to our previous article regarding this incident.

A three-alarm fire erupted on the 800 block of S. Columbus St. in west Medford yesterday evening, July 4, at approximately 8:11 p.m. The incident was reported by multiple 911 callers, with at least one caller expressing concern about a possible trapped individual. In response, emergency services, including Medford Fire, Medford Police, JCFD3, JCSO, and the Jacksonville Fire Department, promptly converged on the scene. Mercy Flights ground ambulances also provided assistance.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of first responders, several nearby streets were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The intensity of the blaze was evident by the large plume of smoke that billowed over west Medford. As a safety precaution, authorities evacuated several neighboring houses.

Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead in the fire. The victim was believed inside the trailer that was engulfed in flames. Their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. A witness recounted to Medford Alert that prior to firefighters’ arrival, concerned neighbors and the witness themselves successfully halted the fire’s spread through vegetation, likely saving a nearby house.

A Fire Marshal from the Medford Fire Department was present at the scene, conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. At this time, no official cause has been determined.