News Summary
A fire erupted at the Florida Blue building on Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville, prompting a swift response from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The blaze, caused by an electrical issue in the elevator shaft, led to temporary road closures but resulted in no injuries. Evacuations were carried out safely as firefighters worked to contain the fire quickly. Traffic disruptions ensued in the downtown area, but Riverside Avenue was reopened shortly after the situation was declared clear.
Jacksonville – A fire broke out at the Florida Blue building, located at 532 Riverside Avenue in the Brooklyn area of Jacksonville, on the evening of Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The incident prompted a rapid response from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and led to temporary road closures in the surrounding area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated in the elevator shaft and was caused by an electrical issue. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and all individuals inside the building were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure following the incident.
At approximately 6:25 p.m., JFRD received the first report of the fire. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and worked diligently to extinguish the flames and clear smoke from the affected areas within the building. The response involved significant fire apparatus, which necessitated the closure of the southbound lanes of Riverside Avenue between the 500 and 600 blocks for around two hours.
Traffic disruptions were notable in the surrounding downtown area as emergency services managed the scene. However, by 7 p.m., Riverside Avenue had been reopened, and the situation was declared clear.
Background on the Building
The Florida Blue building is a notable structure within Jacksonville, serving as an important center for health insurance services. The presence of Florida Blue, a subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, signifies its role in providing healthcare coverage to many residents. The incident on October 7 serves as a reminder of the need for safety and preparedness in commercial buildings, especially those housing critical services.
Response and Safety Measures
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s prompt response likely minimized any potential damage and personal risk associated with the fire. Evacuations were conducted smoothly, illustrating the effectiveness of the building’s safety protocols. The absence of injuries also reflects the successful implementation of these measures during emergency situations.
Impact on Traffic and Local Area
This fire incident caused significant traffic disruptions in the downtown area of Jacksonville, a bustling region often affected by road closures due to emergencies or construction. The prompt reopening of Riverside Avenue helped restore normal traffic flow shortly after the incident. However, local officials may review traffic management strategies to improve response times and lessen congestions during emergencies in the future.
In summary, the fire at the Florida Blue building was contained quickly and effectively, with no reported injuries and the situation resolved within an hour. The incident highlights the critical importance of community safety and the efficiency of local emergency services in addressing unforeseen events.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Florida Blue
- Action News Jax
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department
- The Center Square
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Folio Weekly
- Google News: Jacksonville 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.
