Explore

1Weather 1Weather
Railroad Fire Threatens Clay County Amid Historic Drought

Railroad Fire Threatens Clay County Amid Historic Drought

In Clay and Putnam counties, Florida, the Railroad Fire has burned over 4,000 acres and is only 50% contained. The fire is exacerbated by a historic drought, the worst in 25 years, according to Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. Firefighting efforts include the use of dozers, helicopters, drones, and airtankers to combat the flames. Despite these efforts, the dry conditions are expected to persist, with no rain forecasted for the next 8 to 10 weeks. Officials warn that the peak fire season, typically at the end of May, has not yet arrived, and the situation could worsen with the onset of lightning.
1Weather 1Weather
Historic Drought Fuels Railroad Fire in Clay County, Florida

Historic Drought Fuels Railroad Fire in Clay County, Florida

The Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties, Florida, has burned over 4,000 acres and is only 50% contained. The fire is exacerbated by historic drought conditions, which are the driest in 25 years according to Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. Fire crews are employing dozers, helicopters, drones, and airtankers to combat the flames, but high winds and dry vegetation are making containment efforts challenging. Officials warn that the peak fire season is yet to come, typically occurring at the end of May, and the absence of rain in the forecast suggests that these conditions could persist for 8 to 10 weeks or longer.
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfires Continue to Threaten Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Wildfires Continue to Threaten Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Wildfires are actively burning across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, prompting evacuations and school closures. In Brantley County, Georgia, evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including Warners Landing and Oaks Woodlands. Schools in the county will remain closed to ensure the safety of students and staff. The fires have led to road closures and the opening of shelters in affected areas. In Florida, the Clay County blaze has prompted the Florida Forest Service to issue a Red Flag Warning due to drought conditions, low humidity, and winds. The Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties is 50% contained, while the Sargent Fire in Baker County is 81% contained. The situation remains dynamic, with emergency services actively working to control the fires.
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfires in Florida Strand Amtrak Passengers for Nearly 24 Hours

Wildfires in Florida Strand Amtrak Passengers for Nearly 24 Hours

Passengers aboard Amtrak's Train 98, part of the Silver Meteor route between Miami and New York, experienced significant delays due to wildfires in Florida. The train was forced to halt near Jacksonville, leaving 232 passengers stranded for nearly 24 hours. The disruption was caused by two brush fires near the Clay County-Putnam County line, exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions across much of Florida. Amtrak confirmed that the train returned to Miami for safety reasons, and passengers will receive full refunds and travel vouchers. Although most services have resumed, some trains remain affected as crews continue to monitor the wildfire situation.
1Weather 1Weather
Florida Wildfires Strand Amtrak Passengers for Nearly 24 Hours

Florida Wildfires Strand Amtrak Passengers for Nearly 24 Hours

Hundreds of passengers aboard an Amtrak train in Florida experienced significant delays due to wildfires near the tracks. The train, part of the Silver Meteor route between Miami and New York, was halted near Jacksonville as two brush fires erupted near the Clay County-Putnam County line. This incident left passengers stranded for nearly 24 hours, with overflowing bathrooms and limited access to food and necessities. Amtrak confirmed the situation, stating that the train returned to Miami with 232 passengers onboard after being delayed in Deland, Florida. The company assured that affected passengers would receive full refunds and travel vouchers. Although most services have resumed, some routes remain affected as crews continue to monitor wildfire conditions. According to Fox Weather, much of Florida is under drought conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Faces Heightened Wildfire Risk Amid Drought Conditions

Florida Faces Heightened Wildfire Risk Amid Drought Conditions

Florida is currently experiencing a significant wildfire threat due to prolonged drought conditions, with 113 wildfires burning across the state. The Florida Forest Service has reported that nearly 13,000 acres have been consumed by these fires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for much of the state, citing dry fuels, gusty winds, and low humidity as contributing factors to the dangerous fire conditions. Residents are being urged to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant as fire behavior could become erratic. The ongoing drought has also led to the temporary closure of navigation docks on Lake Okeechobee due to falling water levels.
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfires Prompt Evacuations in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Wildfires Prompt Evacuations in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Wildfires are actively burning across parts of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures. According to Action News Jax, a significant blaze in Brantley County has led to evacuations in areas such as Browntown Road and Hawks Landing. Schools in the vicinity, including Waynesville Primary and Atkinson Elementary, have been evacuated to Brantley County Middle School Gym. In Putnam County, smoke has forced the closure of the Bostwick Library, while the Palatka Library remains open. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a marine advisory for the St. Johns River due to zero visibility conditions. The Florida Forest Service has reported that the Sargent Fire in Baker County is 81% contained, while the Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties is 50% contained.
1Weather 1Weather
Red Flag Warnings Issued Across Florida Amid Wildfire Threat

Red Flag Warnings Issued Across Florida Amid Wildfire Threat

Florida is currently facing a significant wildfire threat as red flag warnings have been issued across much of the state. According to Newsweek, the National Weather Service (NWS) has highlighted the dangerous conditions due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels. These factors have led to 113 active wildfires, consuming nearly 13,000 acres. The Florida Forest Service has reported that the ongoing drought has exacerbated the situation, making vegetation highly combustible. The warnings cover areas including west-central, southwest, northeast, and interior east-central Florida. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant as any fire could spread rapidly.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
EPA Issues Warning as Florida Residents Urged to Stay Indoors Due to Wildfires

EPA Issues Warning as Florida Residents Urged to Stay Indoors Due to Wildfires

Residents in parts of west-central Florida, including St. Petersburg, have been advised to remain indoors due to wildfires causing poor air quality. Two fires in northeast Florida have merged into a 3,000-acre blaze, disrupting Amtrak services and prompting voluntary evacuations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, is at levels considered 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' These particles can originate from various sources, including wildfires, construction sites, and vehicle emissions. Vulnerable groups, such as those with heart or lung conditions, young children, and the elderly, are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep indoor air clean by closing windows and using air purifiers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Amtrak Train Stranded for Over 18 Hours Due to Florida Brush Fire

Amtrak Train Stranded for Over 18 Hours Due to Florida Brush Fire

An Amtrak train traveling from Orlando to New York, with a scheduled stop in Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been stranded for over 18 hours due to a large brush fire in Florida. The fire, affecting tracks near the Clay-Putnam County line, has halted the train's progress, leaving passengers in distress. The train, which departed Orlando on Sunday, was expected to reach Fayetteville by late evening but remains stationary as of Monday morning. Passengers, including Jordan Harrington, report discomfort and a lack of supplies, with some running low on essentials like baby formula. Amtrak is monitoring the situation and working to resume service.
1Weather 1Weather
Wildfires and Poor Air Quality Prompt Indoor Advisory in Florida

Wildfires and Poor Air Quality Prompt Indoor Advisory in Florida

Residents in parts of west-central Florida, including areas around St. Petersburg, are being advised to stay indoors due to ongoing wildfires and deteriorating air quality. Two wildfires in northeast Florida have merged into a single 3,000-acre blaze, disrupting Amtrak train services and leading to voluntary evacuations in several counties. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, has reached levels considered 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' These particles can originate from various sources, including wildfires, and pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Trendline Trendline
Dr. LuJean Waters Named 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture in Florida

Dr. LuJean Waters Named 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture in Florida

Dr. LuJean Waters Named 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture in Florida