CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire burning along the southern Clay County and northern Putnam County line, with the fire now 70% contained and spanning 4,413 acres, according to Clay County Fire Rescue.
The department says day crews will be handing off command of the Railroad fire to the night shift.
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Night crews will continue to focus on suppression of any active flame and fire break line improvement efforts.
Due to smoke being produced by the Railroad Fire and early morning fog Saturday, Clay County Fire Rescue said crews are preparing for the possibility of a super fog event, which could possibly impact parts of major roadways in the vicinity of the Railroad Fire. Drivers are urged to use caution.
The most active portion of the fire remains on the southern end, where crews have concentrated their suppression efforts.
Overnight operations
The Florida Forest Service said overnight crews focused suppression efforts on the fire’s southern end, where the most activity has been observed.
“Overnight crews conducted controlled burnout operations to eliminate any unburned fuels within the containment lines, reducing the possibility of a restart,” the Florida Forest Service said in a statement.
Those same tactics are expected to continue through the day. Crews will keep searching for and eliminating unburned areas, hot spots and active flame.
Evacuations, road closures
Some residents forced to evacuate can now return home. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that residents from Varney Road and Woodard Lane have been cleared to return.
No new voluntary evacuations have been issued, but returning residents are urged to monitor their homes closely.
No road closures are currently in effect in Clay County due to the fire.
The fire remains south of Green Cove Springs along Sweat Road and stretches east of Highway 17 to the county line.
Air quality concerns
Smoke continues to be a concern for people in and around the fire area. The Florida Forest Service is warning residents to use caution if traveling nearby.
Residents with respiratory issues are urged to stay indoors and use air conditioning set to recirculate — especially while driving through affected areas. Heavy smoke has been reported along area highways.
Air quality conditions can be monitored at www.airnow.gov.
Restrictions still in place
A burn ban remains in effect across the area. No outdoor burning is permitted, with the exception of grilling.
Residents and recreationists are also reminded not to fly drones near the fire, as unmanned aircraft can interfere with firefighting operations. Boaters on the St. Johns River should also stay clear, as aircraft are actively using the river to collect water for fire suppression.
Resources, preparedness
A call center is open through Friday for residents with questions or needs. Those looking to support crews with meals can call 877-CLAY-EOC to coordinate. Donation collection at the fairgrounds has since closed.
Residents can also take steps to protect their homes by maintaining a 30-foot defensible space around their property. Additional wildfire readiness resources are available at www.bewildfirereadyfl.com.
To sign up for local emergency alerts, visit alert.claycountygov.com or download the SaferWatch app at www.getsaferwatch.com.