Garage fire at Jacksonville International Airport leaves travelers looking for alternatives

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A garage fire at Jacksonville International Airport has left many travelers wondering about the fate of their vehicles. The hourly garage remains closed following a fire on Friday that damaged several dozen cars and caused parts of the structure to collapse.

RELATED: Officials say about 50 cars were damaged in fire at JAX hourly garage; airport reopened

The airport has resumed normal operations after the fire temporarily halted activities. However, the flames that erupted from the hourly garage led to significant damage, including collapses on the second and third floors that have made the structure unsafe, according to airport officials.

Sara Jones parked on the second floor of the hourly garage just before the fire. She lives in Brunswick, but is currently in Tucson, Arizona, attending her daughter’s high school graduation.

“Hopefully, they can let me know if my car exists,” she said. “Obviously it’s just a car and it’s replaceable, so I’m just thankful nobody was hurt.”

RELATED: Major Jacksonville airport fire at hourly parking garage puts wrench in travelers’ plans

As the airport continues to assess the damage, officials are urging travelers to stay away from the garage.

Officials said that some people have tried to enter the garage or even requested to remotely move their cars. Airport officials are emphasizing that it is not safe to be in the area until experts can assess the damage.

Susan and Tom Harvey, who have lived in Jacksonville for 17 years and said they were shocked as they arrived at the airport on Saturday.

RELATED: ‘Going to be a long process’: JFRD chief says crews unable to enter garage at JAX after fire causes partial collapse

“We’ve seen the parking lot really full, but not with cars that should’ve been gone yesterday and nothing that’s collapsed,” Susan Harvey said.

The couple, who frequently travel out of JAX, took an Uber to the airport after learning that the hourly garage was closed and several lots were full

“Oh, we were parked in this lot a week ago,” Tom Harvey added.

“Can you imagine if this was a week ago?” Susan Harvey said. “We could have been in there. It’s crazy to think about.”

Lou Schwab is visiting with a group from Buffalo. He said his group had to navigate the new rental car locations, but was relieved that no one was injured.

“I’m glad the airport is still open so we can get out,” Schwab said.

Ongoing updates and alternative options

The airport is asking anyone parked in the garage to sign up for updates, which can be found here.

The fire has had a significant impact on airport operations, resulting in over 60 flight cancellations on Friday. That number has since decreased to 11 on Saturday.

RELATED: Jacksonville Aviation Authority provides updates for travelers currently parked in the garage

With the hourly garage closed, airport officials recommend that travelers consider alternative transportation options.