340

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 340 Fire ignited on May 23, 2026, in Wakulla County, Florida. It is located within the Apalachicola National Forest, near Rose Street and Forest Road 340, just outside of the city of Sopchoppy.
Size and Containment: As of June 6, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 2,200 acres and is currently 30% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning through dense forest vegetation. While earlier mapping estimated the fire at 1,700 acres, the fire reignited and grew to 2,200 acres on Thursday, June 4, driven by warm and windy conditions.
Containment Efforts: The U.S. Forest Service is leading the response, utilizing Cherokee Hotshots, helicopters for reconnaissance and bucket drops, and drones for infrared heat detection. Firefighters are employing an indirect confinement strategy, constructing contingency lines to protect private lands, and conducting mop-up operations along the perimeter to reduce pockets of heat.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place. Evacuations were previously issued for nearby areas, but as of June 5, evacuees have been allowed to safely return home.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to stay alert and monitor local channels for updates.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No active shelters are currently reported as open.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no official road closures in place.
• However, forest officials strongly request that the public avoid the fire area and County Road 22 (FL-22) due to heavy smoke impacting visibility and the presence of heavy suppression equipment and personnel on the roads.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida
• Wakulla County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the 340 Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. Crews have successfully built contingency lines to add additional protection to private lands north of the fire.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning within the Apalachicola National Forest, temporarily impacting local recreational areas and wildlife habitats.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should adhere to any local burn restrictions and avoid outdoor burning due to elevated fire danger.
Air Quality: Smoke is significantly impacting visibility on local roadways, particularly FL-22, and may pose health risks for individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed if smoke is heavy in their area.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have achieved 30% containment. Crews will continue to monitor the fire, mop up pockets of heat, and reinforce contingency lines. The recent reignition on June 4 shows the fire remains active, but crews are working diligently to prevent further forward progression.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Warm and windy conditions have been present around the fire area, contributing to spot fires and the recent reignition. Residents should remain alert to changing weather conditions that could increase fire behavior.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire was initially reported to be caused by lightning, though some reports indicate it may be human-caused; the exact cause remains under investigation by authorities.
Weather and Climate: The fire has been fueled by warm, windy, and dry conditions. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) projected an above-normal wildfire risk for Florida and the southeastern U.S. in 2026, linked primarily to persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, which typically reduce precipitation and increase temperatures in the region.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Current Wildfires
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida
• Wakulla County Emergency Management