News Summary
Car retrieval from rows A-E of the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport has resumed after a significant fire. Approximately 600 vehicle owners have been informed about the pickup, while around 550 vehicles in the damaged red zone remain inaccessible. Airport officials have mobilized staff to assist affected car owners, as inspections and repairs are ongoing. The garage closure has highlighted safety concerns and the need for effective emergency responses in crowded public spaces.
Jacksonville – Car pickup has resumed for drivers whose vehicles were parked in rows A-E of the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) following a significant fire that affected the facility. Vehicles can be collected starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, after officials confirmed the cars were ready for pickup.
To assist car owners, the Jacksonville Airport Authority has mobilized ten volunteers and employees to contact those impacted. The JAX call center will remain operational until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, providing support for vehicle retrieval.
Approximately 600 owners with cars parked in the green zone of the hourly garage have been notified about the availability of their vehicles. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the collection of around 550 vehicles left in the structurally damaged red zone, with no timeline provided for when those cars might be accessible.
A “collapse zone” has been established in response to the extensive damage the garage suffered from the fire, which erupted at around 12:03 p.m. on May 16. The fire reportedly started from a mid-sized BMW and engulfed nearby vehicles within moments. The rapid escalation of flames resulted in low visibility conditions, prompting immediate evacuation of passengers.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded quickly to the emergency, successfully extinguishing the blaze. However, several individuals required treatment for smoke inhalation, highlighting the fire’s impact on public safety within the airport premises.
The hourly parking garage is currently closed indefinitely as inspections and structural repairs are necessary, with some sections potentially requiring demolition. In the meantime, on-site parking at JAX is completely full, and travelers are being urged to seek alternative transportation options. Suggestions include using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or coordinating drop-off arrangements with friends or family.
Airport officials have noted that the hourly parking garage did not have a fire sprinkler system, as it was not mandated by building codes at the time of its construction; however, fire extinguishers were present in the facility. Vehicle owners uncertain about the location of their cars can call 904-741-2710 for assistance. Valet customers have a dedicated line at 904-741-3900.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with officials from the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives involved in assessing the incident. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board discussed the investigation during a recent meeting, indicating the seriousness of the situation as it unfolds.
In summary, as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, car owners with vehicles parked in rows A-E can retrieve their cars at JAX, while those in the red zone must await further updates. The fire has highlighted both safety issues within the garage and the importance of proactive emergency responses in crowded public spaces.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: What Started JAX Airport Parking Garage Fire
- News4Jax: Security Footage Shows Smoke Coming from BMW
- Jacksonville.com: Jacksonville Airport Will Let Travelers Get Vehicles from Fire-Hit Garage
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville International Airport
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville International Airport Hourly Parking Garage Fire Timeline
- Google Search: Jacksonville Fire Incident News
