HWY 351- DIXIE

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The HWY 351- DIXIE Fire ignited on April 12, 2026, near County Road 351, approximately 8 miles southwest of Cross City in Dixie County, Florida.
Size and Containment: Based on 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: The fire has been burning primarily in "southern rough" vegetation. The acreage was accurately mapped by a Florida Forest Service drone team. Fire behavior is currently minimal, as containment lines are holding the fire securely within its established perimeter.
Containment Efforts: The Florida Forest Service and Dixie County Fire Rescue have been actively working on the incident. Crews have made strong progress and remain on the scene to conduct mop-up operations, extinguish remaining hotspots, and strengthen existing containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place. Estimated number of people impacted by evacuations is zero.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters are currently open, as there are no displaced residents.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• All major roadways are currently open, including Horseshoe Highway, which was temporarily closed earlier in the incident but has since reopened.
• Emergency officials request that the public continue to avoid the immediate area to allow fire personnel to operate safely and effectively. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling near the fire zone due to heavy smoke and reduced visibility, particularly during the late overnight and early morning hours.
• There are no reported school or infrastructure closures at this time.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service
• Dixie County Fire Rescue
• Dixie County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reported injuries or fatalities associated with this incident.
Structures Impacted: No structures, homes, or critical infrastructure have been reported as damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: There are no reported school or business closures.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning in a rural area, so direct community impact has been minimal aside from visible smoke. No notable individuals or landmarks have been affected.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Burn Bans: A county-wide burn ban remains in effect for all of Dixie County until further notice due to ongoing dry conditions.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke remains in the area, which can significantly reduce visibility on roads and pose a risk to those with respiratory issues. Residents sensitive to smoke are advised to stay indoors when conditions are visibly smoky.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Crews have reached 85% containment and are making strong progress. Firefighters will remain on the scene to complete mop-up operations and ensure all hotspots are fully extinguished so the fire stays within its established perimeter.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While there are no immediate red flag or high wind warnings directly over the fire area, persistent dry conditions remain a concern across Northern Florida. The Florida Forestry Service anticipates above-average wildfire potential to continue through July and August due to the ongoing dry pattern.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Dry conditions in the region have significantly contributed to the fire risk. Dixie County Fire Rescue noted that the current dry weather makes outdoor burning a serious risk, as fires can spread quickly and endanger lives, property, and natural resources. This ongoing dry pattern is the primary reason for the active county-wide burn ban. Furthermore, Florida's active wildfire season is expected to persist longer than initially anticipated, extending into the summer months, with the state already experiencing nearly 2,000 wildfires this year consuming over 120,000 acres statewide.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service
• Dixie County Fire Rescue
• Dixie County Emergency Management