SOUTH CANAL

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The South Canal Fire ignited on May 6, 2026, in Lafayette County, Florida. The fire is located deep in the Rawhide Sog and Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area, east of Highway 357, approximately 12 miles south of Mayo and southwest of Branford.
Size and Containment: Based on the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 2,200 acres and is currently between 20% and 37% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has exhibited active fire behavior, including wind-driven runs and long-range spotting. It is primarily fueled by dry vegetation and an abundance of cured, downed trees left behind by recent hurricanes (Idalia, Debby, and Helene).
Containment Efforts: The Florida Forest Service (FFS) and cooperating agencies are managing the incident with approximately 85 personnel and 30 tractor-plow units. Air tankers and helicopters have assisted, making an estimated 30 retardant drops to help secure the perimeter. Crews have been working day and night to build containment lines up to 100 feet wide and are utilizing strategic firing operations to eliminate unburned fuels between the line and the main body of the fire.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are no mandatory evacuation orders in place. Fire officials report that no structures are currently threatened.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings at this time.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no evacuations, no emergency shelters have been opened.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no official road closures reported at this time.
• Residents and drivers are strongly advised to use extreme caution on U.S. 19 and the US 27/State Road 20 corridor, as fire traffic will be heavy. If drivers encounter smoke, they are advised to treat it as fog, turn on low-beam headlights, and proceed with caution.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Lafayette County Sheriff's Office
• Florida Disaster - Division of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the South Canal Fire.
Structures Impacted: Fire officials report that no structures are currently threatened or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been reported due to the fire.
Notable Impacts: The most significant impact has been heavy smoke drifting over 100 miles east into Northeast Florida, including Duval County (Jacksonville). The smoke has caused hazy skies and reduced visibility in surrounding areas.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Local officials in nearby affected areas, such as Jacksonville, have noted that outdoor burning remains prohibited without a permit amid dry conditions.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted air quality, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the unhealthy range (reaching 159) in areas like Jacksonville. Officials urge residents—particularly those with health sensitivities like asthma, pregnant women, young children, and adults over 65—to minimize outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, and monitor AirNow.gov.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have taken advantage of recently favorable weather conditions, including increased humidity and reduced winds, to increase containment. Crews will focus on improving roads to help hold the fire in the northeast quadrant, as forecast winds may attempt to push the fire toward Branford.
Weather and Wind Warnings: After facing increased winds with gusts up to 20 mph associated with a passing front, the current forecast calls for a continued chance of rain with southwest winds from 5-10 mph and gusts up to 15 mph. These winds are expected to continue pushing smoke into Branford, Midway, and Northeast Florida. Light rain has fallen over parts of the fire, but it has not been enough to completely extinguish it.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the South Canal Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Extreme weather and climate events have played a major role in the fire's intensity. Months of drought conditions have thoroughly dried out the vegetation in the area. Furthermore, the fire is heavily fueled by a massive amount of timber that was knocked down during hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene. These downed trees have cured over time, providing highly combustible fuel that is readily available to burn.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)