Jacksonville, Florida, February 11, 2026
Firefighters from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department tackled a significant blaze at the Smurfit Westrock recycling plant near Riverside. The fire, fueled by dry and windy conditions, produced a large smoke plume visible across the city. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control after several hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials suspecting lithium-ion batteries as a possible ignition source.
Jacksonville, Florida – Firefighters Battle Blaze at Cardboard Recycling Plant Near Riverside
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) crews responded to a significant fire at a cardboard recycling plant near Riverside on Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026. The fire, which erupted around 4:15 p.m. in the 1500 block of Beaver Street, produced a large plume of smoke visible across the Jacksonville area. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, and by 11:26 p.m., the situation was reported to be under control. No injuries were reported, and there was no threat to the public. The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted to investigate the incident.
Fire Details
The fire originated in the main production building of the Smurfit Westrock recycling plant, a facility that processes approximately 99% paper products. The dry and windy conditions on Monday contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. JFRD crews worked throughout the evening to extinguish the flames and remained on-site until at least midnight to ensure the fire was fully out. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with officials suspecting that lithium-ion batteries may have sparked the blaze. However, they do not believe any equipment caused the fire. Air quality was not a concern, as the wind direction pushed smoke and fumes upward and out of the area.
Community Response
Local residents, including Jacksonville University students Andrea Waters and Alex Boutwell, observed the large smoke plume from University Boulevard. They noted that while the flames were not massive, the smoke was substantial and visible from a considerable distance. The incident prompted curiosity among community members, but authorities assured that there was no immediate threat to public safety.
Background
Industrial fires at recycling facilities are not uncommon. For instance, in June 2021, a massive fire at a recycling yard in Phoenix, Arizona, drew more than 200 firefighters and was the largest response in the department’s history. Similarly, in October 2025, a significant fire occurred at a metal recycling plant in Vancouver, Washington, requiring extensive firefighting efforts. These incidents highlight the challenges posed by fires in facilities handling large volumes of flammable materials.
Conclusion
The swift and coordinated response by JFRD crews effectively contained the fire at the Smurfit Westrock recycling plant near Riverside. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, and the community remains vigilant. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the investigation and any necessary safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the fire at the Smurfit Westrock recycling plant?
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials suspect that lithium-ion batteries may have sparked the blaze, but they do not believe any equipment caused the fire.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported during the incident. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, and there was no threat to the public.
How did the community respond to the fire?
Local residents, including Jacksonville University students Andrea Waters and Alex Boutwell, observed the large smoke plume from University Boulevard. They noted that while the flames were not massive, the smoke was substantial and visible from a considerable distance. The incident prompted curiosity among community members, but authorities assured that there was no immediate threat to public safety.
What is the status of the investigation?
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted to investigate the incident. Authorities continue to work to determine the exact cause of the fire.
How can residents stay informed about the situation?
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the investigation and any necessary safety precautions.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1500 block of Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Facility Involved | Smurfit Westrock recycling plant |
| Fire Start Time | Approximately 4:15 p.m. on February 9, 2026 |
| Fire Containment | Reported under control by 11:26 p.m. on the same day |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Investigation | State Fire Marshal’s Office contacted to investigate the cause |
| Community Impact | No threat to public safety; air quality not a concern |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
