ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Clay County firefighters and crews from other surrounding agencies responded to a massive fire at a family-owned Ace Hardware in Orange Park.
The Hagan Ace Hardware on Blanding Boulevard went up in flames around 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office shut down Blanding Blvd in both directions for safety measures.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said the roadway will remain shut down overnight in both directions because crews have to run multiple fire hoses across the road.
RELATED: Clay County firefighters battling massive blaze at Ace Hardware into the night
It’s unclear what started the fire, but a Clay County Fire Rescue spokesperson said an employee smelled smoke before closing at 7 p.m.
Everyone was able to get out of the store safely. CCFR responded to the fire within three minutes, according to the spokesperson.
The fire is believed to have started in the back warehouse, then spread to other areas.
The spokesperson called the fire one of the most challenging in recent years.
Watch the full news conference update below:
The Blanding Blvd location is the headquarters for 11 stores throughout Northeast Florida. Three of those stores are in Clay County.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital and is in “good condition” according to CCFR.
The State Fire Marshal also responded.
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