JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville International Airport reopened at 5 p.m. Friday to inbound and outbound flights after being closed for hours due to a garage fire.
A fire broke out at the Hourly Garage on Friday afternoon.
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Smoke was first spotted pouring from a parking area at Jacksonville International Airport on the Action News Jax Skycam around 12:21 p.m.
Details from officials
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers, and Michael Stewart of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority held a briefing at 4 p.m.
You can watch it below:
How the fire started
During the briefing, Deegan said the fire began in one car and spread to about 50.
Deegan said the fire was under control, but still burning.
Stewart said the fire happened on the second floor of the parking garage, which is the closest to the terminal.
Powers said the airport has video of the car that first caught fire, but it is not yet known what type of car started the fire.
Deegan said no injuries have been reported from the fire.
Garage was inspected 7 months ago
Powers said there is a partial collapse of the garage on the second and third floors, so firefighters are being kept out and using drones to search the structure.
He said heat from the fire caused the structural damage/collapse. Powers said the garage was last inspected in October.
Powers said being able to fully inspect the garage will be a long process.
Travelers should check flight status
Deegan said while the airport will reopen at 5 p.m., it’s still a good idea for travelers to check with their airlines on the status of their flights.
She said in addition to the Hourly Garage, the Daily Garage won’t be available for use on Friday night.
What about my car?
The parking garage remains closed, with more than 1000 cars inside.
Officials said part of it collapsed, making entering a safety hazard.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority said it is working to create a dedicated landing page online for people to submit their information if they are parked in the hourly garage.
It is expected to go live Friday night or early Saturday.
‘Less parking to provide’
Stewart said right now, the airport has “less parking to provide.”
The Hourly Garage, which has about 1,200 spaces, is closed indefinitely, Stewart said.
Stewart said travelers should use Uber, Lyft, and off-site parking options.
JIA has since opened temporary rental car return areas:
“A temporary rental car return area for Enterprise/Alamo/National is located at Staggerwing Ct.,” announced the airport.
“Avis/Budget, Dollar/Hertz/Thrifty will be returned on Rental Car Ln.”
“Sixt customers will return vehicles to the Aviation Authority admin office (14201 Pecan Park Road).”
Roadway signage is being used to direct travelers to the designated areas.
Some flights took off during the closure
FlightAware data shows three flights took off from JAX airport during the 2 p.m. hour.
A JAX airport spokesperson said at that time, “We have some flights that were already at the gates that are departing, but that is all at this time. None arriving.”
PHOTOS: Parking garage fire shuts down Jacksonville International Airport
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Response from city officials
Jacksonville City Council President Randy White said no serious injuries have been reported as a result of the fire. He issued this statement:
“I am aware of the fire that JFRD responded to at the Jacksonville International Airport. First, I want to express my gratitude to JFRD, airport personnel, and all first responders who acted swiftly to ensure the safety of travelers and staff.
“At this time, I have been informed there are no serious injuries reported, and operations are being assessed to ensure safe resumption of services. The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors remain our top priority.
“My office is in communication with airport authorities and emergency management, and we will continue to offer support as needed. I encourage the public to follow official airport and City updates for the most accurate and timely information.
“We are thankful for the professionalism and dedication of those who serve on the front lines during emergencies like this.”
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Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr., who represents District 8 where the airport is located, shared the following statement while the airport was closed:
“I am closely monitoring the situation at Jacksonville International Airport, where a fire has broken out in the Hourly Garage. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The safety of our residents, travelers, and first responders is our top priority. I commend the swift action of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in responding to this incident.
“As of now, the airport remains closed to ensure public safety. It will reopen once our first responders and relevant authorities have deemed it safe to do so. I urge everyone to stay informed through official channels and to follow any guidance provided by emergency personnel.
“My office is in close communication with city agencies and airport officials to monitor the situation. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, I ask for your patience and cooperation as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.”
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