JFRD responded to what they thought was a trash fire. An investigation revealed it was a vehicle fire with a man inside

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The body of a man was discovered Wednesday inside a burnt vehicle one day after the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department thought crews put out the flames of a trash fire.

JFRD Capt. Eric Prosswimmer said around 10:13 p.m. on Tuesday, crews received a call Tuesday about a brush fire on New Kings Road.

Following a search, no fires were found in that area.

Moments later, Prosswimmer said crews were called to Moncrief Dinsmore Road, where they found what they believed to be a trash fire.

JFRD extinguished the flames and left.

After an investigation on Wednesday by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Fire Arson Investigations, Prosswimmer said the severely burned body of a man, who is believed to be 70 years old, was found in an “old, dilapidated vehicle.”

Prosswimmer said because it was dark outside when JFRD responded to the fire, crews “didn’t see any signs of a body.”

JFRD said it was told that the man, who has not been identified, had been living inside the vehicle for a “number of years.”

Prosswimmer offered condolences, saying, “Our sympathy goes out to any family or friends he may have had. It’s a very unfortunate situation.”