News Summary
A fire occurred in the elevator shaft of the Florida Blue building in Jacksonville’s Brooklyn area, prompting a swift response from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The incident led to the evacuation of employees and lane closures on Riverside Avenue for safety. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and fire crews swiftly managed the situation, ensuring the safety of the area. Emergency services monitored the site, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for future incidents.
Florida – A fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the elevator shaft of the Florida Blue building located at 532 Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville’s Brooklyn area. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) quickly responded to the incident, which prompted the evacuation of the building and temporarily closed several lanes of traffic in downtown Jacksonville.
Preliminary information from JFRD confirmed the fire’s origin in the elevator shaft, but no injuries or reports of occupants trapped inside the building emerged during the incident. Fire crews worked diligently to navigate the situation, ensuring the safety of all local residents as they managed the fire and smoke that had spread through the premises.
To facilitate firefighting efforts, the southbound lanes on Riverside Avenue between the 500 and 600 blocks were closed for approximately two hours. This closure was confirmed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, which contributed to significant traffic disruptions in the area as emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames and clear the building of smoke.
As a precautionary measure, evacuation protocols were implemented for Florida Blue’s employees while firefighters cleared the area of any potential hazards. The situation was under control by late afternoon, and normalcy began to return to the vicinity. Riverside Avenue was reopened to traffic around 7 p.m., and the presence of emergency personnel and vehicles was gradually lifted from the site.
This incident reflects the ongoing commitment of local fire services to respond swiftly to emergencies and manage safety measures effectively. It also highlights the potential hazards associated with commercial properties like the Florida Blue building, where infrastructure elements such as elevator shafts can become sites of unforeseen incidents.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has continued to maintain a strong presence in the community, emphasizing preparedness and rapid response as critical components in safeguarding public health and safety. Residents and employees in the Brooklyn area are reminded of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and following evacuation protocols should similar situations occur in the future.
In summary, the timely response by fire crews ensured that the incident was managed without serious consequences, allowing for the efficient reopening of the affected area and the safe return of employees to their workplace. The JFRD will continue to monitor the site and evaluate potential safety measures to prevent future incidents as part of its ongoing commitment to community safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Hoodline
- Google Search: Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department
- First Coast News
- Google Scholar: Fire Incident Reporting
- The Jaxson Mag
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Prevention
- Jacksonville.com
- Google News: Florida Blue Building Fire
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange 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 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
