Jacksonville marks 125 years since Great Fire of 1901; how wildfire conditions echo a similar story for Georgia in 2026
Read full article: Jacksonville marks 125 years since Great Fire of 1901; how wildfire conditions echo a similar story for Georgia in 2026Jacksonville’s 125th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901 is renewing focus on how fast a blaze can spread in hot and dry weather — the same recipe behind recent wildfires burning in Southeast Georgia.
‘We’re here for you’: Brantley County schools feed students as wildfires continue
Read full article: ‘We’re here for you’: Brantley County schools feed students as wildfires continueWildfires have burned more than 22,000 acres in Brantley County with minimal containment. Schools are closed, but teachers and staff showed up to make sure students didn't go hungry.
‘Get on your knees and pray’: Local church feeds, supplies wildfire evacuees as Brantley County blaze continues
Read full article: ‘Get on your knees and pray’: Local church feeds, supplies wildfire evacuees as Brantley County blaze continuesA Brantley County church is feeding and supplying families displaced by one of the largest wildfires in Georgia's history — and church leaders say baby items are urgently needed.
Vet shares important safety tips for pet owners as wildfire smoke spreads
Read full article: Vet shares important safety tips for pet owners as wildfire smoke spreadsWildfire smoke isn’t just a concern for people — it can be just as harmful to pets, according to Dr. Christian Broadhurst with the Clay Humane Society.
Disaster Preparedness: Are you ready if a wildfire destroyed your home?
Read full article: Disaster Preparedness: Are you ready if a wildfire destroyed your home?April is National Stress Awareness Month, and right now, many families are feeling on edge—especially with concerns about fires and emergencies.
Brantley County school counselor stayed to help students as his home burned: Superintendent
Read full article: Brantley County school counselor stayed to help students as his home burned: SuperintendentBrantley County Schools remain closed as wildfires continue to burn across the region, forcing the emergency evacuation of two schools and leaving some students and staff without homes.
Soldiers leave classrooms, jobs to battle Florida wildfires with National Guard
Read full article: Soldiers leave classrooms, jobs to battle Florida wildfires with National GuardAs wildfires continue to burn across Florida, the Florida National Guard has stepped in to support firefighting efforts, deploying helicopters and aircraft to help suppress the flames. News4JAX reporter Andrea Snody has more on how the National Guard got involved and what that process looks like.
Jacksonville faces extreme drought and wildfire threat: Smoke advisory issued for North Florida and Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Jacksonville faces extreme drought and wildfire threat: Smoke advisory issued for North Florida and Southeast GeorgiaJacksonville faces a severe drought and wildfire threat as smoke advisories continue. News4JAX’s meteorologist shares the latest updates on air quality, burn bans, and what’s ahead for local weather.
Northeast Florida counties face stricter water use limits amid extremely dry conditions
Read full article: Northeast Florida counties face stricter water use limits amid extremely dry conditionsDry conditions are prompting burn bans and water restrictions across several counties in Georgia and North Florida, with officials urging residents to take conservation seriously.
Air quality concerns cause at least one Jacksonville school to cancel outdoor activities
Read full article: Air quality concerns cause at least one Jacksonville school to cancel outdoor activitiesSmoke drifting from fast-moving brush fires burning miles away is impacting air quality across Duval County and surrounding areas, prompting at least one local school to cancel outdoor activities and health officials to issue warnings.
Jacksonville air quality hits unhealthy levels amid massive fires
Read full article: Jacksonville air quality hits unhealthy levels amid massive firesSmoke drifting from fast-moving brush fires burning miles away in Florida and Georgia is impacting air quality across Duval County and surrounding areas.
Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, shares how growing wildfires affects people’s breathing
Read full article: Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, shares how growing wildfires affects people’s breathingWhile no fires are burning in Duval County, step outside and you can smell the smoke, which can be a problem for people who have asthma or other breathing conditions.
‘We help each other’: Brantley County church steps in to help those who lost everything to growing wildfire
Read full article: ‘We help each other’: Brantley County church steps in to help those who lost everything to growing wildfireA wildfire burned 1,500 acres in Brantley County and remained zero percent contained Tuesday night. While the danger grew, neighbors stepped up to help those who lost everything.
Dr. Ludie Bond from the Florida Forest Service provides latest information in growing wildfires
Read full article: Dr. Ludie Bond from the Florida Forest Service provides latest information in growing wildfiresDr. Ludie Bond is with Florida Forestry Services and joins us via Zoom to discuss the growing wildfires in Northeast Florida.
From the Vault: Remembering the 1998 Florida wildfires as fire threat returns
Read full article: From the Vault: Remembering the 1998 Florida wildfires as fire threat returnsIf you lived in Florida in the late 90s, you might remember when the state saw devastating fires that burned 500,000 acres across Florida.
Wildfires leave Amtrak passengers stranded overnight, effectively shut down train travel in and out of Florida
Read full article: Wildfires leave Amtrak passengers stranded overnight, effectively shut down train travel in and out of FloridaTwo wildfires raging near the Clay-Putnam County lines that are expected to merge into one massive 3,000-acre blaze have effectively shut down all Amtrak traffic in and out of Florida.
Extreme drought persists in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia despite Sunday rain. Here’s how to reduce wildfire risk
Read full article: Extreme drought persists in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia despite Sunday rain. Here’s how to reduce wildfire riskDespite seeing thunderstorms on Sunday, the rain barely made a dent in the drought across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, and officials are urging residents to do their part to help reduce the risk of wildfires.
Wildfire prevention team arrives in Florida amid worsening statewide drought conditions
Read full article: Wildfire prevention team arrives in Florida amid worsening statewide drought conditionsThe National Wildfire Prevention and Education team arrived in Florida for a two-week assignment to increase awareness about the growing risk of wildfires amid worsening drought conditions throughout the state.
Flagler County declares state of emergency, enforces burn ban for 7 days
Read full article: Flagler County declares state of emergency, enforces burn ban for 7 daysFlagler County declared a state of local emergency Friday and enacted a seven-day burn ban effective 5 p.m. as drought conditions and rising fire danger increase the risk of wildfires, county officials said.
A sweet thank-you: Local woman bakes cupcakes for firefighters amid Putnam County brush fires
Read full article: A sweet thank-you: Local woman bakes cupcakes for firefighters amid Putnam County brush firesAs brush fires continue to burn across parts of Putnam County, one local woman found a simple way to say thank you to the firefighters working long hours to keep flames from spreading: cupcakes.
Peak wildfire season prompts warning from St. Johns County firefighters: How to protect your home
Read full article: Peak wildfire season prompts warning from St. Johns County firefighters: How to protect your homeHomeowners are urged not to assume that recent rainfall has eliminated the risk of wildfires. Numerous housing developments in St. Johns County back up to wooded areas, increasing the likelihood of fire hazards.
‘We have to be ready’: California wildfires highlight ongoing need for more Red Cross volunteers
Read full article: ‘We have to be ready’: California wildfires highlight ongoing need for more Red Cross volunteersAs fire crews continue their efforts to battle the California wildfires, officials with the Northeast Florida chapter of the American Red Cross say the disaster is shining a light on the ongoing need for volunteers.
Can ocean water be used to battle wildfires? Here’s what we know
Read full article: Can ocean water be used to battle wildfires? Here’s what we knowAs we keep an eye on dangerous California winds and watch as firefighters battle the blaze, many have wondered—can ocean water be used to help battle the blaze?
Severe Weather Awareness Week: Let’s talk temperature extremes and wildfires 🔥🥵
Read full article: Severe Weather Awareness Week: Let’s talk temperature extremes and wildfires 🔥🥵Friday is the last day of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida, and to end this week, we will be talking about temperature extremes and wildfires.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: What to know about wildfires and extreme temperatures
Read full article: Severe Weather Awareness Week: What to know about wildfires and extreme temperaturesFlorida’s Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from Feb. 7 to Feb. 11, and Friday’s focus is wildfires and extreme temperatures.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: What to know about wildfires and extreme temperatures
Read full article: Severe Weather Awareness Week: What to know about wildfires and extreme temperaturesSevere Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events. Each day focuses on a specific weather event. Friday’s topic is temperature extremes and wildfires.
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7 surreal photos: Wildfire smoke blankets San Francisco in a spooky orange glow
Read full article: 7 surreal photos: Wildfire smoke blankets San Francisco in a spooky orange glowA number of Northern California wildfires sent a thick, orange-glowing haze over the San Francisco area Wednesday, leaving the Bay in an eerie darkness. A fire burning in Butte County, located northeast of San Francisco, has forced thousands to evacuate from their homes, according to The Associated Press. (2020 Getty Images)An orange glow fills the sky above the Embarcadero in San Francisco. (2020 Getty Images)Smoke from various wildfires blankets the San Francisco skyline in darkness and an orange glow, seen from Treasure Island in San Francisco. (2020 Getty Images)An exterior view of the ballpark in San Francisco, California.
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Recent wildfires spark interest in fire safety and resources
Read full article: Recent wildfires spark interest in fire safety and resourcesWhen determining fire risk, there are multiple variables that come together, including precipitation, relative humidity and wind and drought conditions. The Fire Danger Index map is a quick way for Florida residents to check the risk in their county. The first thing that weve got to look at is how many days since significant rainfall, so what is significant rainfall to us? Chase says that the Fire Danger Index is a quick reference guide to determine if you should burn or not. Burn bans across the state of Florida from the Florida Forest Service (Florida Forest Service)Both human elements and lightning are the main contributors to wildfires in the state of Florida.
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Drones could help fight invasive species, wildfires
Read full article: Drones could help fight invasive species, wildfiresTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Drones could be deployed in state efforts to manage invasive species and address wildfire threats, under a proposal unanimously approved Wednesday by the House. “Currently, in the state of Florida we are facing an epidemic of invasive species destroying our local ecosystems, including the Everglades,” said bill sponsor Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville. Law enforcement is also prohibited, with certain exceptions, from using drones to gather evidence or other information. Fischer’s proposal would allow the Florida Forest Service to use drones to mitigate the threat of wildfires on public lands. “Drones may be a more cost-effective way and more efficient way than current practices,” Fischer said.
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Volunteer to knit mittens, pouches for koalas injured in Australia wildfires
Read full article: Volunteer to knit mittens, pouches for koalas injured in Australia wildfiresSYDNEY – With nearly 500 million animals killed in the Australian wildfires, volunteers are needed to help knit mittens and joey pouches for koalas and kangaroos who have survived. The group crochets, knits and sews mittens for koalas whose paws have been burned, and pouches for orphaned kangaroos, reports WTVT. For those looking to help the animals, the Animal Rescue Craft Guild shares PDF designs with its members who use them to produce the mittens and pouches. A North Carolina group is also collecting homemade donations and sending them to the animals in need. The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue put out a list of what items are needed the most.
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These celebrities are donating money to the Australian bushfires
Read full article: These celebrities are donating money to the Australian bushfiresThe bushfires in Australia are still ravaging parts of the country and are wreacking havoc on small communities and rural towns. The damage has been devastating and news of the bushfires has spread overseas with many activists and celebrities sharing photos of the devastation on social media. There are many different places where you can donate money to help with relief, and many celebrities have shared donation links and even donated themselves. I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. Another Australian actor, Russell Crowe, who is in Australia right now, posted that he donated $105,000 to firefighters.
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What we know so far about Yellow Bluff Fire
Read full article: What we know so far about Yellow Bluff FireThe Forest Service first reported about 3 p.m. Wednesday that firefighters were working two wildfires off U.S. 17 and Yellow Bluff Road. The south fire was 40% contained by the Forest Service at that time, but it burned into the marsh. The Florida Department of Agriculture is assisting the Forest Service with the investigation into the cause. On the ground and in the air, crews are working around the clock to contain the Yellow Bluff Fire. Winter told News4Jax late Thursday afternoon that three spots of the Yellow Bluff Fire jumped over I-95 at some point.
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Nassau County school bus schedules affected by wildfire
Read full article: Nassau County school bus schedules affected by wildfireNASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A 450-acre wildfire that shut down I-95 for 11 miles in both directions Friday had an impact on school bus schedules in Nassau County. Nassau Emergency Management tweeted Friday that because of severe traffic in the Yulee area, buses serving U.S. 17 and adjoining streets experienced up to one-hour delays in bus pickup times. VIEW: Interactive Traffic Map and live DOT camsYulee Middle School officials told News4Jax that they were expecting a lot of students and school buses to arrive late Friday. I-95 reopened in both directions just before 11 a.m. Friday. MORE: Traffic detours affecting holiday travel through Northeast Florida
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Zac Lashway: Trip deep into woods offers perspective on wildfire
Read full article: Zac Lashway: Trip deep into woods offers perspective on wildfireJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Yellow Bluff Wildfire is impressive on so many levels. I spent nearly eight hours Thursday deep in the woods at the scene of the fire, talking to people who live close by. One property owner, Earl Allen, let us on his property to gain an up-close perspective of the destruction of the fire. “The smoke starting to come our way is starting to affect our breathing a little bit, but we’re doing fine," Allen said. Emergency responders, Florida Forest Service, FHP and JFRD, to name a few agencies, are doing an amazing job keeping people safe.
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Alligator Alley reopens after wildfire prompted closure
Read full article: Alligator Alley reopens after wildfire prompted closureCOLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Alligator Alley was closed Monday afternoon due to a wildfire, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fire near mile marker 41 forced the closure of a 57-mile stretch of the highway, according to Lt. Greg Buneo of FHP. Eastbound traffic was directed off the highway at Exit 80, and westbound traffic was diverted to Exit 23. The westbound entrance ramp from Exit 49 remained open, but the eastbound entrance was closed for several hours before reopening about 9:30 p.m.
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Wildfire preparation: What you can do now
Read full article: Wildfire preparation: What you can do nowJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Wildfire season is here and in full effect with the West Mims wildfire consuming 225 square miles along the Florida-Georgia border and expected to rage on for months. Follow these tips to reduce your risk from wildfire. Each of us can play a role in making our communities safer from wildfire. Practice using both evacuation routes in case one is blocked by smoke or fire. Wildfire burned more than 5.5 million acres in the U.S. last year.
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Hot forecast brings riskier weather for firefighters
Read full article: Hot forecast brings riskier weather for firefightersHeat can often bring on heart attacks and strokes with 44 percent of all fatal accidents due to cardiac arrest. Through the end of the week temperatures will climb into the mid 90s with record heat. Drought dropped the swamp levels to critically low levels and now oily palmetto plants add fuel to the fire. It is directly related to the 24-hour, potential worst case available energy to fuel a fire at the front head. Currently the fire is 130,000 acres compared to over 310,000 acres consumed by fire between April through July of 2011.

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