Jacksonville airport reopens after vehicle fire in parking garage, officials say

Jacksonville airport reopens after fire

The Jacksonville International Airport has reopened following a fire that broke out in one of its parking garages on Friday afternoon. Crews have been able to contain the fire, and no injuries have been reported. Authorities said the fire started with one vehicle and spread to others. It has not yet been determined the type of vehicle in which the fire began.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) in Florida has reopened after being closed for several hours when a fire broke out in one of its parking garages on Friday afternoon.

Fire sparks at Florida airport

What we know:

According to airport officials, the fire broke out in the hourly parking garage, prompting the shutdown. 

The airport confirmed the closure in a post on X shortly before 1 p.m.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded with seven engines to the scene of the fire around noon. They said they were able to get the fire under control around 1:30 p.m.  

According to officials, the fire started with one vehicle on the second floor and spread to others. It has not yet been determined the type of vehicle in which the fire began.

Authorities said the garage sustained a partial structural collapse to the second and third floors, followed by a secondary collapse about 30 minutes later.

The airport reopened at 5 p.m. for inbound and outbound flights, although some areas may still be closed. The daily and hourly garages will remain closed overnight.

No serious injuries have been reported at this time. 

The airport's website listed the hourly garage as 90% full around the time the fire started. Officials said 50 cars were involved in the fire.

What we don't know:

The exact cause of the vehicle fire and the amount of damage to the cars and garage remains unclear. 

Authorities have not yet determined how many flights have been affected due to the fire. 

What you can do:

Officials said travelers should follow signage when at the airport, and passengers should check flight status with their airline or for rebooking options.

Will the fire impact Orlando flights?

Local perspective:

Officials with the Orlando International Airport (MCO) said there has currently been only one diversion to the airport coming from Denver due to the closing of the Jacksonville airport.

Where is the Jacksonville International Airport?

The airport is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Jacksonville in Northeast Florida and serves as the region’s gateway to popular vacation destinations such as Amelia Island and St. Augustine.

(Credit: garthtires.com)

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