ORANGE PARK, Fla. – A huge fire at a family-owned westside hardware store broke out on Friday, leaving many Clay County community members devastated.
The Hagan Ace Hardware on Blanding Boulevard went up in flames around 6:30 p.m. Crews immediately responded to the scene, working to extinguish the massive flames that produced heavy smoke that could be seen miles away.
“The Hagan family is well known in our community, so certainly our thoughts and prayers are with [them],” a Clay County Fire Rescue spokesperson said.
The Hagan family owns the Ace Hardware that opened in 1980. The business was known as a community staple.
It is also the headquarters for 11 stores throughout Northeast Florida. The Blanding Blvd location was their second location.
RELATED: Clay County firefighters battling massive blaze at Ace Hardware into the night
Everyone was able to leave the building safely. That’s something Hagan Ace Hardware spokesperson, Tera Lageman, said is always the number one priority.
“We’re just so grateful that all our staff and our customers are okay and safe,” she said. “But this, obviously, is a huge loss. Not only are a lot of memories housed in this building. But this is our headquarters. So this is where our files, data, everything for the company is housed in this location.”
A firefighter was taken to the hospital with injuries. His condition is unclear.
The family also owns several other Clay County businesses.
Lageman thanked the first responders who jumped into action to help battle the fire.
As of 10 p.m., crews were still working to contain the flames.
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