Crews Rd (10)

Here is a detailed situation report for the Crews Road Fire (also referred to as the Railroad Fire) in Florida, reflecting the most current data over the last 72 hours.

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Crews Road Fire ignited on the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, 2026, along the train tracks south of Green Cove Springs and Clarkes Creek, near County Road 209 S and U.S. Highway 17 S in Clay County, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the past 72 hours, the fire has burned 4,796 acres and is currently 80% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported as a 1,700-acre fire, the blaze was fueled by dry timber and southern rough. It exhibited unpredictable and erratic fire behavior during its first 24 hours due to gusty winds, rapidly spreading and merging with the Railroad Complex Fire in neighboring Putnam County late on April 20. Recent mapping shows that all new acreage growth has been successfully held within established containment lines.
Containment Efforts: A unified command includes the Florida Forest Service, Clay County Fire Rescue, and Putnam Fire Rescue. The aggressive initial attack deployed over 63 personnel, 36 dozers, 10 engines, and federal aviation resources, including helicopters, scoopers, and Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). Firefighters have now transitioned into a full "mop-up" phase, utilizing tractor-plow units to reinforce containment lines and spraying water to extinguish interior heat pockets and smoldering hotspots.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: Voluntary evacuations were previously issued for residents near Varney Road and Woodward Lane; however, these have been lifted, and residents have been allowed to safely return to their homes.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Shiloh Baptist Church on County Road 226 previously served as a voluntary evacuation shelter. Additionally, the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch in Palatka opened its paddocks as a safe sheltering location for horses and livestock.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for the affected areas.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• While County Road 209 S, Decoy Road, and West Tacoi Road experienced total closures earlier in the incident, no roads in Clay County are currently closed due to the fire.
• The Florida Highway Patrol continues to warn motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 17 between Palatka and Green Cove Springs to drive with extreme caution due to lingering smoky conditions and a heavy presence of emergency vehicles.
• Amtrak train traffic in the immediate area was previously halted due to the fire's proximity to the railroad infrastructure.

For more information, visit:

• AlertClay - Clay County Emergency Alerts
• Florida Forest Service - Wildfire Ready
• AirNow - Local Air Quality Conditions

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Crews Road Fire.
Structures Impacted: Numerous residential structures and railroad infrastructure were initially threatened by the blaze, but crews successfully defended the area. There are no reports of destroyed homes or buildings.
School and Business Closures: No widespread school or business closures are currently in effect. Local community events, such as the Bostwick Blueberry Festival, proceeded as scheduled, though mutual aid from Orange County Fire Rescue was required to provide community coverage due to local crews being exhausted and deployed to the fire lines.
Notable Impacts: The fire caused significant disruption to local rail infrastructure and required massive mutual aid coordination across multiple counties to protect the community.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No significant power outages have been reported in relation to this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local municipal advisories.
Burn Bans: Residents should adhere to any local fire restrictions and avoid outdoor burning due to the ongoing wildfire risk and dry underlying conditions.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke remains a significant concern, particularly along the U.S. Highway 17 corridor. Smoke will continue to be visible until the fire is 100% controlled. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to monitor air quality, stay indoors when smoke is heavy, and use air purifiers if possible.
Other: Clay County has opened a dedicated call center for residents with questions regarding the fire at (877) 252-9362.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Crews have achieved 80% containment and are deeply engaged in extensive mop-up operations. Fire officials state that the fire will not be declared 100% contained until all smoke and hotspots are completely extinguished and the ground is cold. Mop-up operations are expected to continue well into next week, and residents should prepare to see emergency personnel operating in the area for several more days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Calmer winds over the last 72 hours have allowed firefighters to make significant progress from both land and air. Recent heavy rainfall in the region helped slow the fire's spread, though it was not enough to extinguish the deep-seated heat pockets. Crews remain vigilant for any shifts in wind that could fan interior hotspots and threaten containment lines.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire is believed to have been caused by sparks from a passing train on the railroad tracks.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid initial spread was exacerbated by dry timber, southern rough fuels, and gusty wind conditions. While recent calmer weather and rain have aided containment, the underlying dry conditions in the region continue to require extensive mop-up to prevent reignition.

For more information, visit:

• AlertClay - Clay County Emergency Alerts
• Florida Forest Service - Wildfire Ready
• AirNow - Local Air Quality Conditions