News Summary
In Jacksonville, a courageous landscape supervisor, Cornelius Rainey, saved 15 residents and three dogs from a fire at Riverbank Apartments. As the flames spread rapidly, Rainey’s quick actions helped evacuate those in danger, including a wheelchair-bound elderly woman. The fire, which began in a bedroom and reached the attic, prompted an immediate response from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Community support followed the incident, with organizations assisting the displaced residents as investigations into the fire’s cause are underway.
Jacksonville, Florida – Cornelius Rainey, a 35-year-old landscape supervisor, heroically rescued 15 residents and three dogs from a devastating apartment fire in the Riverbank Apartments located in Hyde Park on June 4, 2025. Rainey, who was visiting family at the complex, spotted flames shooting from the building and rushed to action, ultimately saving lives amidst the chaos.
At around 4:45 PM, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) received reports of a fire at the apartment complex. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that the blaze had originated in a bedroom of one apartment before spreading rapidly to the attic, creating an urgent situation for the residents inside. Due to the severity of the fire, JFRD directed the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) to cut off power to the entire building for safety reasons. The fire’s cause is currently being investigated by the state fire marshal.
Noticing the flames and smoke, Rainey entered the building and began banging on doors to alert other residents of the imminent danger. Many doors were either locked or stuck, but Rainey’s determination was unwavering. He persevered through the smoke-filled hallways, eventually managing to evacuate 15 individuals and three dogs, including an elderly woman who was wheelchair-bound. Rainey’s quick thinking and courageous actions provided hope and safety amidst the frightening circumstances.
Heroic Actions Under Pressure
Rainey’s instinctual response to help others can be attributed to his caring nature and sense of responsibility. Realizing that lives were at stake, he felt compelled to act. His efforts ensured that those who might have otherwise been trapped could exit the building safely. Residents have expressed their heartfelt gratitude for his bravery, acknowledging that, without his intervention, the outcome could have been far worse.
Community Response and Support
Following the fire, the Red Cross stepped in to provide assistance to the 34 individuals displaced by the fire. This group includes multiple families and children who are now facing the daunting task of finding new housing. One affected resident, who had only recently moved into her apartment less than a month ago, expressed her shock at the sudden disaster that uprooted her life.
As the smoke cleared and fire crews worked on extinguishing the last remnants of the fire, the city provided residents access passes to retrieve personal belongings from their units. This measure was put in place to help those affected navigate the aftermath of the incident while ensuring their safety and security.
Emergency Services and Investigation
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Jacksonville Electric Authority, took swift action to manage the emergency situation effectively. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours, ensuring that the fire did not spread to neighboring buildings. Investigations by the state fire marshal will determine the precise cause of the fire, which remains a critical concern for officials and residents alike.
Conclusion
The remarkable actions of Cornelius Rainey stand as a testament to the power of community and selflessness in times of crisis. His quick thinking not only saved lives but also emphasized the importance of readiness and courage when faced with danger. The support from local agencies such as the Red Cross further highlights the communal effort to assist those impacted by this incident.
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- First Coast News: Candidates for Next JFRD Fire Chief
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
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- Google Search: Jacksonville Fire Department
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- Google News: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
