Key Takeaways
• A May 16, 2025, fire at JAX’s hourly garage destroyed about 50 vehicles and halted airport operations for hours.
• The fire resulted in the loss of 3,000 parking spots and forced 24 flight delays or diversions to other airports.
• No injuries were reported, but access to the garage and many vehicles remains restricted pending repairs and safety checks.
A large fire broke out in the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) on Friday, May 16, 2025. This sudden incident destroyed many vehicles and caused big problems for travelers that day. Airport operations came to a stop, people were left without access to their cars, and flight plans were thrown off for both travelers and airlines. Let’s take a closer look at the details of the fire, how it affected the airport, and what it means for everyone involved, especially those using the airport for travel or work.
How the Fire Started and Spread
The trouble began at around noon on Friday, when a single car caught fire on the third floor of the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport. Within a short period, the flames spread from car to car. The fire grew quickly and burned through about 50 vehicles, sending thick, dark smoke into the sky above the airport. Many witnesses saw these clouds from far away, while those closer to the scene described seeing flames jump between parked cars.
Firefighters from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department came to the airport right away. However, the fire inside the garage was severe, and safety concerns meant that firefighting teams could not go into the building directly. The risk of collapse or falling debris was just too high at that moment. Instead, crews used drones to look inside the structure and make sure no one was trapped inside as the fire raged. This quick use of drones helped the firefighters work safely but slowed down the process of controlling the flames.
According to Fire Chief Keith Powers, it took about an hour and a half from when the fire started to get the main flames under control, though some hot spots continued to burn even after that. Importantly, no injuries were reported among the people who were in or near the garage at the time.
The Damage to the Garage and Vehicles
The fire did not just affect the cars in the garage. It also caused major structural damage to the building itself. Some of the big problems included:
- A part of the parking garage actually collapsed due to the heat and damage caused by the fire.
- One large beam inside the structure fell and landed on some of the parked vehicles.
- There was heavy charring—meaning black, burned areas—on floors, walls, and other surfaces touched by the flames.
Michael Stewart, a spokesperson for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, confirmed these problems and said that the damage was not minor. In fact, it will take several months to fully repair the hourly parking garage before it can be used again. Because the entire structure had to be closed, the airport instantly lost around 3,000 parking spots that travelers and visitors usually rely on.
For those wondering about the status of their vehicles, many cars inside the garage were either burned, badly damaged by falling debris, or made unreachable due to safety concerns. Some people had their main mode of transportation cut off for an unknown period.
Operations at Jacksonville International Airport Ground to a Halt
As the garage fire spread, the effects rippled across Jacksonville International Airport and beyond. Airport leaders made the quick decision to close the entire airport for several hours to keep travelers, workers, and rescue crews safe and out of harm’s way. No flights arrived or departed during this shutdown.
Here’s what happened as a result:
- At least six incoming flights were sent to other airports, such as Savannah, Atlanta, St. Augustine, and Panama City Beach.
- About 24 flights in total were delayed, forcing passengers to change plans and airlines to rearrange schedules.
- The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office blocked all roads going in and out of the airport. No one could drive in to pick up passengers or drop them off for flights, and anyone inside was unable to leave for a time.
Scenes outside the airport saw dozens of travelers stranded in grassy areas and parking lots, waiting for updates. Airport officials and city workers responded by bringing water to those stuck outside. The weather made things harder, too—it was unseasonably hot, reaching 97 degrees, which set a new record for the area.
As the hot afternoon continued, the city brought Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses to the airport. These buses worked as cooling zones, providing a place for people to get out of the sun while waiting for information. This helped keep travelers, including families and elderly people, safe and as comfortable as possible during the crisis.
Impact on Travelers: Flight Plans Disrupted and Vehicles Trapped
The fire and the airport closure had an immediate and stressful effect on many people. Nearly every type of traveler felt its impact, from those coming into Jacksonville International Airport for a quick visit to those starting long trips away from home.
Here are some of the ways people were affected:
- Many travelers missed their flights and connecting flights. Some who were already in the airport when the fire broke out could not leave, while others driving in were turned away by police blockades.
- Several passengers were separated from their vehicles, especially those parked in the hourly garage. For some, these cars were their only way home.
- Problems with communication between airlines and travelers made the situation even more confusing. In several cases, reservations were marked as “no-shows,” even though people had made every effort to catch their flights.
- Those with vehicles parked inside the hourly garage received uncertain news: it might take days before they could access or recover their cars. There was no clear word on whether some cars were even intact after the fire.
Johnathan Huggins, a traveler whose car was parked in a valet spot, described the situation simply: “It kind of put me in a little hole because that’s my main type of transportation. But I’m just glad nobody got hurt.” His story is one of many, as hundreds of people faced the double blow of missed travel plans and lost vehicles.
Immediate Steps and Temporary Changes
After about five hours, Jacksonville International Airport began to reopen. By 5:00 PM Friday, flights could take off and land again. However, the hourly parking garage was closed for the foreseeable future while experts checked the building for more damage and possible safety risks.
To help travelers, airport officials made some quick changes and suggestions:
- The normal rental car return area was moved to a temporary site outside of the damaged hourly garage.
- Shuttle buses were put into service to take travelers between the remaining parking areas and the terminal.
- Airport authorities strongly encouraged people to use rideshare apps, such as Uber or Lyft, or to park at off-site lots until further notice.
Communicating these new steps was important, as many people planning to fly out of Jacksonville International Airport might not know about the changes or what to expect when arriving. Officials advised all travelers to check their flight status and parking information before heading to the airport.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the quick work of airport leaders and emergency personnel helped prevent injuries. No serious harm to people was reported during or after the fire, even though the physical damage was extensive and the disruption was widespread.
Long-Term Effects on Airport Operations and Community
While the immediate danger of the fire has passed, the long-term effects on Jacksonville International Airport and the community are just beginning to show. With the hourly parking garage out of use for several months, parking at the airport will be tight, which could affect both short-term and business travelers.
Here are some possible effects people should keep in mind:
- The loss of 3,000 parking spaces could make it harder for people to find spots during busy travel seasons.
- Repairs to the garage will cost a lot, both in money and time. This could impact airport resources and, possibly, ticket or parking prices in the future.
- People whose vehicles were destroyed or damaged may face weeks of waiting for insurance claims, repairs, or replacement vehicles.
- Travelers may need to adjust their trips by allowing more time to get to the airport or booking rideshare or shuttle services in advance.
- Businesses that operate around Jacksonville International Airport might also see changes in customer flow and demand because of parking issues and travel delays.
For many in Jacksonville and those who use this airport often, these changes will be a real adjustment. Patience and flexibility will be necessary over the coming months as both the airport and the community work toward a return to normal.
What Authorities and the Public Can Do Next
Airport officials and the city of Jacksonville responded quickly to the fire, but large emergencies like this bring new problems even after the smoke clears. The first priority remains safety, and experts continue to check the damaged garage for any hidden risks before beginning long-term repairs.
Looking ahead, there are a few key areas they’ll need to address:
- Communication: Making sure the public knows about the ongoing parking situation at Jacksonville International Airport and the best alternatives is important so that travelers can plan ahead.
- Assistance: Supporting those whose vehicles were destroyed and those who missed important flights will be a part of the airport’s customer service efforts in the weeks to come.
- Review: City and airport leaders may review fire safety rules and response plans for parking garages and terminal areas to lower the risk of a future event.
- Partnerships: Working with rideshare companies, shuttle services, and local transportation providers can help keep people and businesses moving while the garage is out of service.
Any traveler or business connected to Jacksonville International Airport should keep checking the airport’s official website for updates, such as new parking maps, shuttle hours, and recovery progress. The Federal Aviation Administration also posts important alerts and updates related to airport operations, which you can find at the FAA’s official airport status website for up-to-date information.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
This fire at Jacksonville International Airport, which burned through about 50 vehicles and shut down air travel for hours, is a reminder of how quickly plans can change. It also highlights the importance of emergency plans for major transport hubs and the need for fast, clear communication between airports, airlines, and the public.
While the reasons for the fire are still under review, the response from public safety teams showed strong teamwork. The use of drones to check for people inside, keeping travelers as comfortable as possible during intense heat, and rerouting buses to help with transport are examples of quick problem-solving.
What comes next will be shaped by both immediate recovery steps and long-term actions to rebuild the damaged garage, help affected travelers, and regain smooth airport operations. For now, patience and awareness are the best tools for anyone needing to travel through Jacksonville International Airport.
Summary
- A large fire on May 16, 2025, at Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly parking garage destroyed about 50 vehicles, damaged the structure, and shut the airport for several hours.
- Flight delays, diversions, and a loss of 3,000 parking spaces created cascading problems for travelers, workers, and airport operations.
- Emergency responses, including the use of drones and cooling buses, helped avoid injuries and sheltered stranded people from the heat.
- The hourly parking garage will take months to repair, so travelers should expect changes and disruptions to parking, pickups, and drop-offs.
- The airport and city have made temporary changes, including moving rental car returns, running shuttle buses, and asking travelers to use rideshare apps or off-site parking lots.
- Ongoing updates and instructions can be found on official airport and FAA websites, helping travelers stay informed.
For those planning to use Jacksonville International Airport soon, checking ahead for the latest on parking and road conditions is more important than ever. With time, repairs will restore full capacity, but for now, flexibility and clear information will help everyone get where they need to go with as little trouble as possible.
Learn Today
Hourly Parking Garage → A facility at airports where vehicles are parked for short durations, typically charged by the hour, close to terminals.
Structural Damage → Physical harm to the building’s framework, potentially compromising integrity and requiring extensive repairs before safe use.
Diversion → When a flight is rerouted to a different airport due to emergencies or unsafe conditions at the original destination.
Hot Spots → Sections where a fire continues to burn or smolder after the main flames have been controlled, hindering cleanup efforts.
Rideshare Apps → Mobile applications like Uber or Lyft that connect passengers with drivers for transportation, suggested as alternatives after the fire.
This Article in a Nutshell
A major fire at Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly garage on May 16, 2025, destroyed around 50 vehicles and halted operations. The blaze resulted in the loss of 3,000 parking spaces, significant travel disruptions, and prolonged recovery efforts. Quick emergency responses prevented injuries, but long-term repairs and parking shortages continue to impact travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
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