HWY 351- DIXIE

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The HWY 351- DIXIE Fire ignited on April 12, 2026, in Dixie County, Florida, near Horseshoe Highway (County Road 351).
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 555 acres and is currently 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Fueled by dry vegetation typical of Florida's wildlands amid regional drought conditions, the fire initially spread quickly but has shown minimal new activity over the last 72 hours. The fire's footprint is holding steady at 555 acres as containment lines remain secure.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the Florida Forest Service and Dixie County Fire Rescue. Fire crews have made strong progress and are actively working on mop-up operations to extinguish remaining interior hotspots and strengthen existing containment lines. A Florida Forest Service drone team from the Suwannee District previously assisted with accurate fire mapping to help secure the perimeter. Strike teams from the Suwannee and Jacksonville Districts were released as containment increased and the threat diminished.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no active mandatory evacuation orders for this incident. The estimated number of people impacted by evacuations is zero.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings in place.
Curfew: There are no curfews in effect.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations, there are no open shelters or displaced residents at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• All roadways in the affected area, including Horseshoe Highway (County Road 351), have been reopened for travel.
• Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling in the area due to heavy, lingering smoke. Visibility may be significantly reduced, especially during the late overnight and early morning hours.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Dixie County Emergency Management
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the HWY 351- DIXIE Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of structures or key infrastructure being damaged or destroyed by this fire. No notable people or structures have been impacted.
School and Business Closures: No schools or businesses have been reported closed due to the incident.
Notable Impacts: The most notable ongoing impact is the heavy smoke settling over local roadways, which continues to affect visibility for drivers and local residents.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this fire.
Water Safety: The Suwannee River Water Management District has water usage restrictions in place due to ongoing dry conditions.
Burn Bans: Due to extreme drought conditions, residents should adhere to local fire restrictions and avoid outdoor burning.
Air Quality: Heavy, lingering smoke remains in the area. Motorists and residents should be cautious of reduced visibility and potential respiratory irritation, keeping windows closed if smoke is heavy in your neighborhood.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 85% contained. Firefighters anticipate that containment lines will continue to hold well, keeping the fire securely within its established perimeter. Crews remain on scene actively working to mop up remaining hotspots and strengthen containment lines over the coming days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While there are no immediate critical wind warnings, motorists and residents are warned about the combination of lingering smoke and overnight weather conditions, which can lead to significantly reduced visibility on the roads during late overnight and early morning hours.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the HWY 351- DIXIE Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire was fueled by extreme drought conditions affecting the region. Rainfall totals have fallen dramatically below average over the last several months, leading to near-record low streamflows across major rivers in the Suwannee River Water Management District. These persistent dry conditions exacerbated the dry vegetation that fueled the fire's initial spread.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Dixie County Emergency Management
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map