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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Firefighters in Jacksonville are being kept busy this hurricane season. After being missed by Bonnie and being grazed by Charley, Hurricane Frances landed 150 miles south of Jacksonville and made its way north through the center of the state, keeping bands of the storm in Jacksonville for the better part of 4 days. The eye of the storm passed 75 miles west of Jacksonville on its way north.

During the course of the storm, Jacksonville Firefighters faced constant 50-60 mph winds and torrential rain totaling 14 inches. Power was knocked out to over 250,000 electric customers in the Jacksonville area, including over 30 fire stations.

Jacksonville Firefighters braved the elements while extinguishing several fires around town. A strip mall was struck by lightning while a candle spilled over in a powerless trailer, igniting the bedroom.

At no time during the event did the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department stop delivery of Fire and Rescue services.

After the storm, firefighters ran around the clock checking their territories for citizens in need of help, clearing streets, securing power lines, and making emergency preparations in anticipation of Hurricane Ivan. No firefighters were injured during the event.

For more information on the Jacksonville Firefighters, visit them online at www.jfrd.com