Backyard Shed Fire Sends Smoke Plume Over Jacksonville Neighborhood

No injuries reported as firefighters contain blaze before it spreads to nearby homes

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, billowing column of dark smoke rising up into a turbulent, foreboding sky, dwarfing the surrounding buildings and structures and conveying the overwhelming, sublime power of the natural disaster unfolding.A towering plume of black smoke casts an ominous shadow over a Jacksonville neighborhood, underscoring the power and danger of the backyard shed fire that sparked the dramatic scene.Today in Jacksonville

A backyard shed fire in the Durkeeville neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida sent a thick plume of black smoke over the area on Saturday afternoon. Two adults and an infant inside a nearby home escaped without injury, but the house sustained some damage as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Witnesses reported hearing popping and hissing sounds as the fire intensified, likely due to a 100-gallon propane tank in the shed that was venting gas.

Why it matters

Fires in older neighborhoods with aging housing stock can quickly become dangerous, as evidenced by a previous vacant-home fire in the area that left multiple people critically injured. This latest incident adds to growing unease among Durkeeville residents about the frequency of fires breaking out in the community.

The details

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department crews responded to the scene around 3:20 pm and deployed 12 fire apparatuses to battle the flames. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to neighboring properties. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the initial shed fire.

  • The fire broke out around 3:20 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • An earlier vacant-home fire in the Durkeeville neighborhood occurred last year.

The players

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department

The fire department that responded to the scene and worked to extinguish the blaze.

American Red Cross

Provided assistance to family members who gathered at the scene.

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What they’re saying

“The towering smoke column was a fright.”

— Durkeeville Resident

“We heard repeated 'pshh, pshh' noises that turned out to be the relief valve on a 100-gallon propane tank releasing gas as the heat built up.”

— Durkeeville Resident

What’s next

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue officials say their investigation into the shed fire is ongoing and are reminding residents to store propane and other fuels safely and to call 911 at the first sign of smoke or flames.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing fire risks in older neighborhoods with aging housing stock, underscoring the need for proactive fire prevention measures and effective emergency response to protect vulnerable communities.