A lightning strike sparked a roof fire at The Blake at St. Johns on Sunday night, Aug. 16, forcing the evacuation of 127 residents from the County Road 210 assisted living facility and displacing many who cannot return because of water damage.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) crews arrived at 2430 County Road 210, east of St. Johns Parkway, at about 9 p.m. and found heavy fire with flames pushing through the roof, according to SJCFR Public Information Officer Chris Naff. Naff told News4JAX that based on early indications, the fire may have started after lightning hit one of the building's chimneys during a storm moving through the area.

The Florida state fire marshal will investigate and determine the official cause.

Crews Evacuate Wheelchair-Bound and Bedridden Residents

Firefighters evacuated residents on the west side of the building, including some who use wheelchairs or were confined to beds, according to St. Johns Citizen. Residents on the east side were able to shelter in place. In total, 127 residents were evacuated and 83 sheltered in place, according to SJCFR.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department also responded to assist St. Johns County crews. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about one hour, though the chimney and attic sustained serious damage.

One person was transported from the scene, but Naff said the transport was not related to the fire and the patient was reported in stable condition.

Water Damage Leaves Many Residents Unable to Return Home

Many residents will not be able to return to the facility because of water damage from firefighting efforts. Buses were used to relocate residents without nearby family to other assisted living facilities in the area, Naff said.

First responders set up a designated area at the scene for family reunification. The American Red Cross and St. Johns County Emergency Management were dispatched to assist displaced residents.

As of about 11:45 p.m. Sunday, emergency response crews were beginning to leave the facility while remaining fire rescue personnel monitored for lingering hot spots.