Overview
- The merged Railroad Fire, updated Tuesday afternoon by the Florida Forest Service, has burned about 4,112 acres and is roughly 50% contained with voluntary evacuations still in effect.
- Two separate wildfires that started over the weekend in Clay and Putnam counties combined into one blaze threatening homes, with flames reaching property lines along White Tail Trail near Bostwick.
- Clay County officials say sparks from a train likely ignited the original fire near County Road 209 and Maranda Drive.
- A large response is underway, including Florida Forest Service crews, federal Very Large Air Tankers, and Florida National Guard aviation support beginning Tuesday.
- Extreme drought, very low humidity and gusty winds are driving erratic fire behavior, leading to burn bans across Northeast Florida and temporary closures on U.S. 17, Amtrak rail near Palatka, and parts of the St. Johns River.