News Summary
A fire broke out in the elevator shaft of the Florida Blue building in Riverside, prompting an immediate evacuation on Tuesday evening. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded rapidly to reports of smoke and flames, attributed to an electrical issue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Traffic disruptions occurred in the downtown area, particularly on Riverside Avenue, as crews worked to extinguish the fire. By 7 p.m., the fire was under control, and normal traffic resumed. The incident remains under investigation as officials evaluate safety protocols for high-rise buildings.
Jacksonville, Florida – A fire erupted in the elevator shaft of the Florida Blue building in Riverside on Tuesday evening, resulting in the evacuation of the building but, fortunately, no reported injuries. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) received reports of the incident around 6:25 p.m. and quickly responded to the situation.
The fire was attributed to an electrical issue within the elevator shaft, prompting a swift action plan from the fire department. Crews worked diligently to extinguish the flames and clear the smoke from the building, thereby ensuring the safety of those nearby.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) announced subsequent traffic disruptions in the downtown area as a result of the incident. Consequently, the 500-600 block of Riverside Avenue was temporarily shut down for approximately two hours, affecting local commuters and transportation.
By around 7 p.m., JFRD confirmed that the fire had been successfully extinguished, and the scene was declared clear. Riverside Avenue was reopened for traffic, allowing normal operations to resume in the area.
The swift response from emergency services, combined with the absence of injuries, has brought a sense of relief to the local community. However, the incident remains under investigation as firefighters and officials look to gather more information regarding the electrical issue that sparked the fire.
The Florida Blue building, a prominent structure in the Jacksonville Riverside area, is frequented by employees and visitors alike. The recent fire event has raised concerns about safety protocols in high-rise buildings, particularly regarding electrical systems and emergency response readiness.
As of now, the situation is still developing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire meticulously. The public is encouraged to stay informed while the JFRD and JSO monitor the aftermath of this incident closely.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 Jax
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Jacksonville Fire Department
- Action News Jax
- Google Scholar: Fire Investigation
- The Center Square
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Response Protocol
- Folio Weekly
- Google News: Florida Blue Building Fire
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.
