COW CREEK (38)

Cow Creek (38) Fire Report - May 29, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Cow Creek (38) Fire was first spotted around 1:20 p.m. on April 21, 2026 (and officially reported on April 22, 2026), in the Goethe State Forest area south of Bronson, near SE County Road 326 and Black Prong Road in Gulf Hammock, Levy County, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 2,364 acres and is currently 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially starting at about two acres, the fire spread rapidly due to extremely dry conditions, low humidity, and shifting winds, growing to 1,400 acres within its first day. Forward progress has since been stopped. Fire officials note that the fire is currently in a "re-burn stage," where dropping pine needles can reignite on the forest floor, though the fire remains within its established perimeter.
Containment Efforts: The Florida Forest Service is overseeing the response, with assistance from Levy County Fire Rescue and outside strike teams providing brush trucks and engines. Crews are conducting extensive mop-up operations, addressing hotspots, and monitoring smoldering activity. To support the response, FEMA previously authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant to cover up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: All mandatory evacuation orders for Central Levy County, including areas near Henry Beck Park and west of County Road 326, have been lifted.
Evacuation Warnings: There are currently no active evacuation warnings for the Cow Creek Fire.
Curfew: No curfews are currently in effect.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The comfort center previously opened at the Levy County Board of County Commissioners office in Bronson has been closed, and citizen information lines have been deactivated as the immediate threat to the estimated 1,200 previously threatened homes has passed.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no road closures around the Cow Creek Fire. Portions of County Road 326, County Road 337, and County Road 343 that were previously closed have all safely reopened to traffic.
• No critical infrastructure or school closures remain in effect for this incident.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service
• Levy County Emergency Management
• Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the Cow Creek Fire.
Structures Impacted: One outbuilding was destroyed during the initial spread of the fire, but no residential homes were lost. At its peak, the fire threatened over 1,200 homes near the Gulf Hammock Community, Moriston, and Williston areas.
School and Business Closures: No ongoing school or business closures are reported in relation to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire significantly impacted the Goethe State Forest area, requiring a large multi-agency response and causing temporary displacement for residents in Central Levy County.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: A local state of emergency and a strict countywide burn ban remain in effect for Levy County due to severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire risk. All unauthorized open burning, including campfires and bonfires, is strictly prohibited.
Air Quality: Smoky conditions remain a concern as interior pockets of fuel continue to be consumed. Residents in Levy and surrounding counties, particularly those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors if smoke is heavy and to report any new open flames immediately.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: At 85% containment, the fire's forward progress is stopped, but it remains a focus for fire crews. Firefighters anticipate weeks of ongoing arduous mop-up work to ensure the fire stays well inside the established containment lines, particularly due to the risk of re-ignition from falling pine needles in the current re-burn stage.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While some areas may see isolated rain, it is not expected to be widespread or significantly reduce the fire danger. The region continues to face hazardous conditions driven by dry soils, stressed vegetation, and elevated fire risk.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Cow Creek Fire is currently under investigation by the Florida Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Weather and Climate: The fire was heavily fueled by extreme drought conditions that have plagued Florida in early 2026. A lack of rainfall has left soils exceptionally dry and vegetation highly stressed. These climate-driven drought conditions, combined with low humidity and shifting winds, created a highly volatile environment that allowed the fire to spread erratically during its initial ignition.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Current Wildfire Conditions
• Levy County Emergency Management
• Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT)