CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — On Friday, Clay County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the Hagan Ace Hardware located on Blanding Boulevard in Orange Park. According to Tara Lageman, the marketing director for Hagan Ace Hardware, the fire erupted about ten minutes before the store’s closing time and rapidly consumed the entire building within just a few minutes.

Witnesses shared pictures and videos with First Coast News, showing massive plumes of smoke. Flames could be seen behind the smoke. 

Hagan Ace Hardware currently does not know the cause of the fire. 

Lageman says the store is owned by Jacob Hagen, who owns 11 Ace Hardwares locally. The Blanding location is the headquarters. 

“This is devastating for the community, it’s one of the first stores they acquired,” Lageman said. 

Laura Christmas, director of communications with Clay County Fire Rescue, confirmed that Blanding Boulevard is shut down both directions. 

This is a developing story, and First Coast News will provide more information as our crews arrive on scene and learn more.