Key Takeaways
• A fire on May 16, 2025, destroyed 50 vehicles in Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly parking garage.
• Over 1,000 vehicles were trapped and the airport lost about 3,000 parking spaces due to fire and construction.
• Flight delays, stranded travelers, and ongoing repairs are expected; full garage restoration may take several months.
Hundreds of travelers faced major problems at Jacksonville International Airport after a sudden fire broke out in the main hourly parking garage on Friday, May 16, 2025. This single incident quickly turned into a large emergency, leaving people without their cars, delaying flights, and forcing airport staff to change normal operations. Here’s what happened, how emergency teams stepped in, how travelers were affected, and what officials say comes next.
How the Parking Garage Fire Started
The trouble began just after noon on May 16 when a vehicle caught fire on the second floor of the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport. Reports say the flames spread quickly, jumping from the original car to about 50 others nearby. The fire grew stronger as fuel tanks exploded and tires burned, filling the concrete structure with heavy black smoke.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department was called at once. They arrived fast, set up a safety perimeter, and hurried to get everyone out of the building. Airport staff helped direct travelers away from the garage. Within minutes, the fire’s heat started to cause further destruction. Part of the concrete deck between the second and third floors gave way, crumbling under the intense temperatures. About 30 minutes later, another section fell, making the structure even more dangerous.
With flames still burning and parts of the garage now too unstable to enter, firefighters had to use special tactics. They brought in drones to fly through the smoke and take video inside, checking for anyone who might still be trapped. Fire hoses sprayed water from outside until the fire was finally controlled. Thankfully, there were no reports of serious injuries linked to the fire itself.
Immediate Outcomes: Flights, Cars, and Chaos
As officials worked to manage the fire, Jacksonville International Airport quickly shut down all activity. All flights stopped, and travelers waiting to board were told to stay inside the terminal until it was safe. Those headed to Jacksonville were held on planes elsewhere, or faced diversions.
The closure lasted several hours. According to airline tracking site FlightAware, at least two dozen flights were delayed. By around 5:00 p.m. the same day, airport managers reopened the main terminal for passengers and airlines, but warned it could still take time for flights to return to normal. Many travelers were urged to double-check with airlines before heading to the airport, in case further delays continued.
But for hundreds of drivers, the story was just beginning. The hourly parking garage held an estimated 1,200 spaces, and more than 1,000 vehicles were stuck inside by the fire, collapsed concrete, and safety risks. For days, drivers could not reach their cars, leaving many stranded in Jacksonville, paying for taxis or rideshares, or even missing flights and family events as a result.
The airport quickly lost a large chunk of its parking options. Many arriving at Jacksonville International Airport found the usual parking lots full or closed. Officials told travelers to use apps like Uber and Lyft or find off-site parking, with signs and airport emails warning of the “unavailable” main garage.
Working to Reclaim the Garage
Winning back safe control of the parking garage has become the key focus. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, along with airport managers, set up what they call a “collapse zone” around the damaged building. No one except experts and first responders is allowed inside until the safety of the floors and walls is carefully checked.
Fire Chief Keith Powers stated that the inspection and cleanup job would not be finished quickly. He compared it to a 2017 fire at St. Vincent’s parking garage, which forced a long review of the damaged structure before it was safe for the public.
Officials said that they hoped “certain areas” of the hourly garage might be cleared and made safe by the end of the current week. This would let some drivers retrieve their cars, but many others may need to wait longer as structural engineers check each section.
To keep impacted travelers up to date, the airport introduced an online form, letting drivers submit their information to get news about access to their cars. On top of that, insurance adjusters and towing companies have begun making plans for how damaged vehicles will be handled once recovery is allowed.
Michael Stewart, who speaks for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, warned that repairing the parking structure could stretch out for several months. In total, Jacksonville International Airport reports it has lost around 3,000 parking spaces, when you add the hourly garage to some construction-related shutdowns. This means parking will remain tight at JAX for a long time to come.
Travelers dealing with the aftermath should check the official Jacksonville International Airport site for updates, new parking suggestions, and further instructions.
The Broader Impact on Travelers and the Community
The fire has deeply changed the travel experience at Jacksonville International Airport. Passengers, airport employees, shuttle drivers, and the entire local community have felt the effects in different ways:
Travelers Left Stranded
- Over 1,000 people with cars in the hourly parking garage had to find other ways home, stay in the city longer than planned, or make last-minute travel changes.
- Some drivers missed important events or flights because they had neither their car keys nor a way to the airport. In social media posts and local news interviews, people shared stories of paying hundreds of dollars for taxis, or having to wait several days in Jacksonville just to get their cars back.
Parking Shortages and Changing Routines
- The sudden loss of 1,200 parking spaces has meant crowded lots, longer walks, and confusion for people arriving at JAX.
- The airport suggests using rideshare services or taking advantage of off-airport parking companies, but demand for these services has gone up, making them cost more and harder to book.
Delayed Flights and Financial Loss
- Airlines lost time as planes remained on the ground or circled other airports while the fire was handled.
- Local businesses near the airport, including car rental agencies and hotels, have seen more customer complaints as travelers scramble to adjust their plans.
- It’s not only the vehicles damaged by the fire that are affected; countless others face the indirect costs of lost time, stress, and unexpected expenses.
Emergency Response: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in Action
The performance of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department during the parking garage emergency drew attention. Firefighters arrived quickly, worked methodically to get people out, and used modern technology—like drones—to check dark, smoky spaces. Even with the danger of further collapse, they kept first responders safe and provided clear instructions to airport staff and the public.
Keith Powers, the JFRD Fire Chief, spoke of the dangers: “This is a long, long process. The structure is compromised, and we have to treat every part with care. We know people are anxious to get their cars back, but our first job is to make sure no one is hurt.”
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s careful work kept a bad situation from becoming a major disaster with loss of life.
Connections to Other Airport Safety Issues
Even though this fire made news because it created such widespread trouble at Jacksonville International Airport, parking garages at other US airports have also faced safety and security problems recently. For example:
- At Denver International Airport, car thefts in parking areas spiked in 2023, with 946 vehicles reported stolen that year. In response, the airport added new security cameras and hired more guards, which helped reduce thefts by the end of the year.
- Across the United States 🇺🇸, there is growing focus on tighter parking security. A bipartisan bill was introduced in January 2024 called the SAFE Parking Act. If passed, it would let airports use federal money specifically to improve the safety of parking lots, including both fire-proofing and anti-theft measures.
The challenges seen in Jacksonville are a reminder that airport parking safety reaches far beyond just one city or event.
Learning from the Jacksonville Experience
Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly garage fire is already sparking policy discussions. Airport leaders from around the country are watching closely to learn what went wrong and how to prevent something similar in other cities. Points that will likely come up:
- Should garages use more fire-resistant materials or strong fire breaks to stop fires from spreading?
- Could adding more security cameras or “smart” smoke detectors help catch problems before they worsen?
- How can airports create better plans to help travelers quickly if their cars become unavailable after a disaster?
Federal and state officials are also watching the progress at JAX to see what new safety rules may be needed for the future.
Steps for Impacted Travelers
People whose vehicles remain trapped at the Jacksonville International Airport should watch for official updates from the airport, search for notices about when different garage areas reopen, and carefully document any property damage for insurance purposes. Those who paid large out-of-pocket expenses due to being stranded might qualify for support through their own insurance, though each case will differ. The airport’s FAQs and alerts will list the latest status, and contacting your car insurance provider sooner rather than later is wise.
What Comes Next?
Though some cars may be cleared for removal soon, the full repair and review of Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly parking garage promises to last months. Travelers planning to use JAX should be prepared for:
- Limited parking, with many lots full or closed
- Long waits for retrieving vehicles affected by the fire
- Higher demand—and possibly increased prices—for rideshare and off-airport parking services
- Ongoing crowded conditions in airport terminals and pick-up zones, especially during busy travel periods
Airport officials stress the need for patience, stating that passenger safety is their top concern while the garage is repaired and access to vehicles is restored in stages.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, incidents like this are driving both airports and lawmakers to rethink how parking is managed at busy travel hubs. Future improvements may include everything from better fire controls to customer support systems for travelers separated from their cars.
Conclusion: Safety, Preparation, and Support
The parking garage fire at Jacksonville International Airport stands as a powerful lesson about the importance of safety, careful planning, and clear communication. It shows how quickly an everyday part of travel can turn into a stressful and costly event. The fast action of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, the patience of hundreds of travelers, and the hard work of airport staff are all worth noting.
Looking ahead, travelers should keep checking with airlines and airport officials before their trips, especially if they plan to leave a car at Jacksonville International Airport. For those directly affected by this parking garage fire, the best step is to follow the official guidance and keep in touch with both airport staff and your own insurance provider.
Disasters like this are never easy, but each one teaches important lessons about protecting travelers and making airports safer for everyone. If you need more details about airport safety, parking options, or how to file claims after an incident, the Jacksonville International Airport official website offers frequent updates and further resources. Stay alert, plan ahead, and always look for the latest advice when you travel.
Learn Today
Collapse Zone → An area cordoned off around unstable structures to prevent unauthorized access during emergency response and recovery operations.
Hourly Parking Garage → A short-term parking facility at airports where drivers pay by the hour, mainly used for brief visits.
Structural Engineer → A professional who assesses the safety and stability of buildings, especially after incidents like fires or collapses.
Flight Diversion → When a scheduled flight is rerouted to land at a different airport due to emergencies or disruptions.
Insurance Adjuster → A specialist who evaluates damage claims and determines compensation after accidents like fires or disasters.
This Article in a Nutshell
A sudden fire at Jacksonville International Airport’s hourly parking garage on May 16, 2025, destroyed 50 vehicles and stranded hundreds of travelers. Over 1,000 cars remain inaccessible, flights were delayed, and parking is limited. Recovery and repairs will take months, impacting both travel routines and community businesses significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com
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