RAILROAD

Here is a detailed situation report on the ongoing Railroad Fire in Florida, based on the latest official data over the past 72 hours.

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Railroad Fire ignited over the weekend of April 18-19, 2026. It originated as two separate blazes—the Crews Road Fire in Clay County and the Railroad Complex Fire in Putnam County (north of Bostwick and east of U.S. Highway 17)—which subsequently merged into a single massive wildfire.
Size and Containment: As of May 6, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 4,796 acres and is currently 80% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is being fueled by critically dry timber, pine flatwoods, heavy underbrush, and lingering hurricane debris. The fire grew rapidly following a cold front that brought strong winds, exhibiting erratic behavior and spotting across highways before firefighters were able to establish solid containment lines.
Containment Efforts: Unified command involves the Florida Forest Service, Clay County Fire Rescue, and Putnam County Fire Rescue. The response has included dozens of personnel, tractor plows, and engines. Federal assistance was also activated, bringing in Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), helicopters, and Bridger Aerospace "Super Scoopers" stationed in St. Augustine to conduct aerial water drops. Crews are currently in a full mop-up phase, seeking out any visible smoke and interior hot spots.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: At the height of the fire, several areas were urged to evacuate, but as containment has reached 80%, mandatory orders have largely been lifted.
Evacuation Warnings: Voluntary evacuations were previously in place for residents along Guthry Road, Boogerville Road, Hunter Road, White Tail Trail, Varney Road, and Woodard Lane. Officials have since stated it is safe for most evacuated residents to return but ask them to closely monitor their homes for any shifting conditions.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: The Bostwick Community Center at 125 Tillman St. in Palatka was previously established as a shelter for displaced residents.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• West Tocoi Road, Decoy Road, and County Road 209 South experienced closures but have largely reopened. Drivers are warned of limited visibility.
• U.S. Highway 17 remains heavily impacted by lingering smoke, and motorists are urged to use extreme caution and low-beam headlights.
• Amtrak previously suspended all train traffic in the area as the fire pushed up against the railroad tracks.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Active Wildfires Dashboard
• Clay County Emergency Alerts (AlertClay)
• Putnam County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported fatalities or major injuries directly attributed to the Railroad Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: At the fire's peak, more than 1,500 homes, businesses, and infrastructure across Clay and Putnam counties were threatened. Firefighters successfully prioritized structure protection by establishing fire break lines.
School and Business Closures: Local school districts in Clay, Putnam, and Duval counties have monitored air quality closely, recommending that students and staff remain indoors during heavy smoke conditions.
Notable Impacts: Heavy smoke from the Railroad Fire has blanketed surrounding communities, including Palatka and East Palatka, and seeped into Duval County and Jacksonville, significantly reducing visibility on local bridges and highways.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread residential power outages are currently reported, though railway infrastructure was temporarily halted.
Water Safety: No specific water safety advisories are in place.
Burn Bans: Extreme fire danger has prompted strict countywide burn bans. Residents are urged to comply fully, avoiding any activities that could create sparks or open flames.
Air Quality: Smoke continues to be a major concern as interior pockets of fuel are consumed. Air quality has diminished across the region, and residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—are advised to stay indoors.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire at 80% containment, firefighters have transitioned into the "mop-up" stage. However, officials warn that due to the extreme drought, the fire can continue to burn underground in root systems for days or weeks. Crews will remain on the scene to reinforce containment lines and extinguish deep-seated hot spots until substantial rainfall arrives.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Northeast Florida remains under elevated fire risk. Red Flag Warnings have been frequently issued due to strong winds, warm temperatures, and critically dry conditions that continue to challenge firefighting efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: Local officials believe the fire was initially sparked by a train on the railroad tracks before spreading into the surrounding dry brush.
Weather and Climate: The Railroad Fire is being driven by extreme climate conditions. Florida is currently experiencing one of its most active fire seasons in recent years due to a severe, prolonged drought, near-record heat, and gusty winds. Large portions of the state are under extreme to exceptional drought conditions, leaving the fire-adapted landscapes highly combustible.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Active Wildfires Dashboard
• Clay County Emergency Alerts (AlertClay)
• Putnam County Emergency Management