Jacksonville Airport Closes After Garage Fire Erupts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jacksonville International Airport in Florida temporarily shut down on Friday due to a fire in a parking garage. The blaze, which impacted dozens of vehicles, caused all flights to be suspended. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Quick Looks
- Jacksonville International Airport closed due to parking garage fire.
- Fire occurred in the hourly parking structure near the terminal.
- Flights were temporarily halted for safety and containment efforts.
- Firefighters quickly responded and contained the blaze.
- No injuries were reported in the incident.
- Estimated dozens of vehicles were affected by the fire.
- Extent of parking structure damage still under assessment.
- Cause of fire remains unknown as of Friday afternoon.
- Airport aimed to resume operations later the same day.
- Officials are continuing to investigate the source of the fire.
Deep Look
On Friday, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida experienced a significant disruption after a vehicle fire erupted inside one of its parking garages, prompting an immediate halt to all flight operations. The incident sent shockwaves through the airport and created ripple effects for air travelers across the region.
The fire broke out in the airport’s hourly parking garage, a high-traffic structure located adjacent to the main terminal, just as Friday travel began ramping up. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) responded swiftly, deploying multiple units to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles or airport infrastructure.
Airport spokesman Greg Willis confirmed that both arrivals and departures were suspended while emergency crews tackled the fire. At the time of the incident, the extent of the damage remained uncertain, but officials estimated that dozens of vehicles were affected by flames, smoke, or heat. While the precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials said it started with a single vehicle and spread to nearby cars, raising serious concerns about fire prevention measures in public parking structures.
Despite the magnitude of the fire and its proximity to the terminal, no injuries were reported, thanks in large part to the quick response from emergency personnel and airport staff, who efficiently cleared the area and redirected passengers and vehicles away from the danger zone.
Videos and photos posted on social media by travelers showed thick black smoke billowing out of the garage, with flames visibly damaging a row of cars. Some travelers described a strong burning smell that permeated parts of the terminal and curbside check-in areas before operations were suspended.
Travel disruptions quickly followed. Flights scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville were either delayed, rerouted, or canceled, while outgoing flights remained grounded. Passengers already inside the terminal were asked to remain in place or exit as authorities assessed the situation. Several airlines issued travel advisories and waived change fees for affected customers.
As of Friday evening, airport officials expressed optimism that operations could resume later in the day, pending safety assessments. Structural engineers were brought in to inspect the integrity of the garage, ensuring that it posed no additional risk to the public or ongoing airport functions. Authorities also began investigating surveillance footage and vehicle records to help determine the origin and cause of the blaze.
The hourly parking garage is typically used by short-term visitors, including travelers being dropped off or picked up, and is one of the most heavily trafficked parking areas on the JAX campus. Its proximity to the terminal meant the fire had potential to cause even greater disruption had it not been contained so quickly. Still, with dozens of vehicles impacted, many travelers returned to the airport only to find their cars heavily damaged or completely destroyed.
For the Jacksonville airport, which services millions of travelers each year, the fire represents one of the most serious infrastructure-related incidents in recent memory. Though rare, such events underscore the importance of robust fire detection and suppression systems in transportation hubs, where large volumes of vehicles and people converge daily.
While authorities continue to investigate, several key questions remain: What caused the initial vehicle to ignite? Were there mechanical or electrical failures involved? Were combustible materials present that worsened the spread of the fire? And most importantly, what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
As of now, officials have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected, but the fire is being treated as a serious safety incident. Airport security, along with local fire investigators, are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days.
The closure and ensuing delays highlight the fragility of airport operations, particularly during emergencies. From logistics and scheduling to passenger safety and public communication, the response to Friday’s blaze is already being scrutinized for how effectively JAX managed the crisis.
In the meantime, travelers are being urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to monitor updates via the official Jacksonville International Airport website and social media channels. Those whose vehicles were parked in the affected garage are being asked to contact airport authorities for assistance with claims and retrieval logistics once it is deemed safe to do so.
While flights are expected to resume soon, and the terminal was not damaged, the incident has created temporary but significant setbacks for both passengers and airport staff. It’s also likely to spur conversations at other major airports about infrastructure safety, parking garage fire suppression systems, and emergency preparedness in high-density public spaces.
Jacksonville Airport Closes Jacksonville Airport Closes
You must Register or Login to post a comment.