A massive fire erupted in the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) on Friday afternoon, grounding flights for over four hours, damaging more than 50 vehicles, and creating widespread travel disruptions.
The fire, which started around noon, caused partial collapses of the second and third floors of the garage and forced officials to evacuate travelers and close off access to the structure. Passengers arriving at or departing from JAX faced missed connections, grounded flights, and uncertainty about when they’ll be able to retrieve their cars.
Flames, Smoke, and Structural Collapse
According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), the fire began in a vehicle on the second floor and spread rapidly, igniting dozens of cars and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Video footage showed flames shooting from the building, with large plumes visible from the nearby highway.
Officials reported a partial collapse of two garage levels, preventing emergency personnel from entering. Firefighters deployed drones to search for victims and assess the damage remotely. No injuries have been reported.
“Thank goodness it doesn’t look like anybody’s hurt,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We can’t be 100 percent sure until we can get in there, but the drone footage suggests people got out quickly.”
The fire damaged 50+ vehicles [Credit: WJXT]
Impact on Flights and Parking
The fire triggered a complete closure of Jacksonville International Airport, grounding flights and halting road access. FlightAware reported that all inbound aircraft were held at their origin airports until at least 1:30 p.m. The airport eventually reopened for flights around 4:00 p.m., but major delays continued through the evening.
The hourly and daily garages, which serve around 2,000 vehicles combined, were closed indefinitely. According to the JAX website, the hourly garage was 95% full at the time of the fire, meaning hundreds of vehicles are likely trapped.
Officials have not provided a timeline for when travelers can access their parked cars. Temporary arrangements have been made for rental car returns and passenger drop-offs, with shuttle buses rerouted to alternate lots.
“Travelers should use Uber, Lyft, or off-airport parking until further notice,” said Michael Stewart of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
Due to a fire in the Hourly Garage, the Jacksonville airport is currently closed. According to airport officials, JFRD is on-site working the issue. JSO has blocked inbound and outbound road access to the airport.
A viewer sent in this video: pic.twitter.com/WHdcugAkut
— Anthony Austin (@AnthonyReports) May 16, 2025
Travelers Stranded, Cars Inaccessible
The fire caused chaos for both departing and arriving passengers. Grant Henslee, a Southwest Airlines passenger, missed his flight after communication issues within the airline led to a no-show status and flight cancellation.
“We’ve flown lots of times without issues,” Henslee said. “This is a first.”
Johnathan Huggins, who flew in from Atlanta, discovered his car was stuck in a valet spot. “They said it might take two or three days,” he said. “That’s my only car, so this puts me in a bind. But I’m just glad no one got hurt.”
Others, like Angel Studer, were able to navigate around the disruption by keeping up with local news. “We definitely avoided I-95 and made alternate plans,” she noted.
Also Read: Deadly Tornadoes Devastate Kentucky: Somerset and London Among Hardest Hit
Emergency Response and Investigation Ongoing
As of Friday evening, firefighters remained on scene to monitor and fully extinguish any lingering flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. JFRD is working closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and airport officials to determine what sparked the blaze and how the fire spread so quickly.
Mayor Deegan praised the coordinated response between the airport, fire department, and law enforcement. “The situation could’ve been much worse,” she said. “Everyone involved did an excellent job of managing a chaotic emergency.”
Garage Damage Extensive, Travelers Urged to Stay Updated
Visible damage to the parking garage includes a partially collapsed concrete beam, scorched support columns, and rows of destroyed vehicles. Officials have taped off the area, and drone assessments continue as investigators inspect the structure’s safety.
JAX Airport posted multiple updates on X (formerly Twitter), confirming:
“The Hourly Garage is still closed, but other parking facilities (Daily Garage, Daily Surface Lot, and Economy Lots) are accessible. Shuttle buses are transporting travelers to their vehicles.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed when the affected parking garages will reopen or when vehicle owners can retrieve their cars.
Key Takeaways for Jacksonville Travelers
- Fire Origin: Started in a vehicle on the second floor of the hourly garage.
- Extent of Damage: Over 50 vehicles damaged; partial collapse of two floors.
- Airport Status: Flights resumed by 4:00 p.m. Friday.
- No Injuries Reported: Drones used to inspect for trapped victims.
- Parking Disruption: Hourly and daily garages closed indefinitely.
- Rental Car Returns: Temporarily relocated; travelers should check airport updates.
As investigations continue and cleanup begins, Jacksonville International Airport travelers are urged to follow official updates and plan for alternative transport and parking arrangements in the coming days.
