440

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 440 Fire ignited on the afternoon of March 8, 2026, near Southwest 440th Avenue, approximately five miles west of Cross City in Dixie County, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the past 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 728 acres and is currently 90% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by heavy logging slash fuels and dry vegetation. Upon ignition in early March, the fire exhibited extreme behavior, producing significant flame activity with lengths reaching up to 50 feet. The initial rapid spread was heavily driven by dry weather and wind. However, over the last 72 hours, there has been no active growth, and the fire remains largely inactive.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the Florida Forest Service, with assistance from several local agencies. Fire crews initially utilized both ground and air resources to gain control of the blaze. The fire is currently in the mop-up phase, with personnel focusing on checking and extinguishing hotspots to prevent any reignition.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no active mandatory evacuation orders for the 440 Fire. Zero residents are currently impacted by evacuation orders.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings.
Curfew: No curfew orders are in place.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: As there are no active evacuations, no emergency shelters are currently open. Residents can monitor Florida Forest Service and local county alerts for any changes.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no current road closures or infrastructure impacts reported in the last 72 hours.
• Local routes near Southwest 440th Avenue and Cross City remain open and clear.
• Residents and drivers are advised to remain cautious of any remaining fire personnel and heavy equipment operating in the area.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Wildland Fire Updates
• Dixie County Emergency Management
• WFCA Fire Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the 440 Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed. The fire has remained largely confined to forested areas and heavy slash fuels.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures are currently in effect due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire's impact on the local community has been minimal, primarily affecting rural timber and slash areas west of Cross City rather than notable landmarks or populated neighborhoods.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to the 440 Fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or contamination risks have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should consult the Florida Forest Service and Dixie County officials for any local burn bans or fire restrictions that may remain in place due to regional dry conditions.
Air Quality: While initial smoke was highly visible, current air quality impacts are minimal due to the lack of active fire growth. Residents with respiratory conditions should continue to monitor local advisories in case smoke from smoldering hotspots arises.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 90% contained. With no active spread reported over the last 72 hours, crews have successfully transitioned to the mop-up phase. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area and monitor for hidden hotspots to ensure full containment and mitigate any ongoing threat to the community.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are no active Red Flag Warnings or High Wind Warnings specifically affecting the immediate fire area at this time.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the 440 Fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Weather and Climate: The initial ignition and rapid spread of the fire were heavily influenced by dry weather conditions and wind, which are typical factors that exacerbate fire behavior during Florida's dry season. More recently, favorable weather conditions and lower wind speeds have allowed firefighters to halt the fire's progression, gain 90% containment, and focus entirely on mop-up operations.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Wildland Fire Updates
• Dixie County Emergency Management
• WFCA Fire Map