UPDATE 7:30 PM: The Florida Forest Service announced the Crews Road Fire in Clay County and the Railroad Complex Fire in Putnam County has merged into one large wildfire, dubbed the Railroad Fire.
The Railroad Fire has been measured at 3,000 acres and is at 10% containment.
The Forest Service says that on Monday, it had “63 personnel, 36 dozers, 10 engines, 2 fixed-wing aircraft, and 2 helicopters responding.” Additionally, “federal resources included 2 VLATS (Very Large Air Tankers), scoopers and air attack.”
Crews from multiple agencies, including the Forest Service, Clay County Fire Rescue and Putnam County Fire Rescue, continue to work day and night suppressing the fire and protecting structures.
At a press conference Monday, authorities said they are not aware of any structures that are damaged, but added that conditions have made it difficult to get into certain areas to fully assess things.
Chief Mock of Clay County Fire Rescue also emphasized that “this is a long-term fight” and said agencies expect to have “extensive fire conditions throughout the woods for days and potentially weeks ahead.”
It was announced by Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, that the Florida National Guard has been called to respond and its aviation unit will be involved in the firefight on Tuesday.
Additional engines and tankers have also been asked to respond via mutual aid requests.
Those looking to donate can do so starting Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds in front of Exhibit Hall 2. Donations being accepted include meals, prepackaged food, and closed water bottles.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Florida Forest Service says the Crews Road fire in Clay County and the Railroad Complex fire in Putnam County are burning over 3,000 acres.
As of 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Florida Forest Service has estimated the Crews Road Fire in Clay County to be 2,000 acres and 5% contained.
The side of the fire in Putnam County, called the Railroad Complex Fire, is estimated to be 1,000 acres and 5% contained.
The Forest Service says erratic fire behavior can be expected throughout Monday due to wind conditions.
Crews on the ground and in the air are actively engaged and will continue working to suppress the fire and slow its spread.
Clay County
UPDATE 6:45 PM: Highway 17 has reopened as the Florida Highway Patrol deemed visibility safe again for drivers.
UPDATE 4 PM: Highway 17 has been shut down at the Putnam and Clay County line due to poor visibility. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.
ORIGINAL STORY: Clay County officials say they are closely monitoring conditions to determine any possible hazards and evacuations for residents.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office issued voluntary evacuations for those on Varney Road and Woodward Lane on Sunday night. No further evacuations have been issued as of Monday afternoon.
Decoy Road and County Road 209 South have been closed.
Heavy smoke is expected along Highway 17 and within the greater area. Motorists are urged to use caution.
For emergency updates regarding this fire, Clay County officials ask residents to sign up for alerts on AlertClay: alert.claycountygov.com.
The Clay County Fire Rescue Department has opened a call center for any questions regarding the fire at 877-252-9362.
Putnam County
UPDATE 6:45 PM: Highway 17 has reopened as the Florida Highway Patrol deemed visibility safe again for drivers.
UPDATE 4:45 PM: Residents of Boogerville Road and White Tail Trail are also being asked to voluntarily evacuate in addition to those on Guthrie Road and Hunter Road.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and Fire-Rescue personnel have gone door-to-door to alert residents.
Again, those evacuating are asked to go to the Bostwick Community Center, located at 125 Tillman Street in Palatka.
UPDATE 4:30 PM: Voluntary evacuations are being conducted in the area of Guthrie Road and Hunter Road in Bostwick near the Clay County line, announced Putnam County Emergency Management.
Those evacuating are asked to go to the Bostwick Community Center, located at 125 Tillman Street in Palatka.
UPDATE 4 PM: Highway 17 has been shut down at the Putnam and Clay County line due to poor visibility. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.
ORIGINAL STORY: The 9 p.m. Sunday update from Putnam County Fire Rescue advised those living in the Eagle Creek area to be prepared to evacuate, but a mandatory evacuation has not been issued as of Monday afternoon.
West Tocoi Road is closed completely.
Heavy smoke is expected along Highway 17 and within the greater area. Motorists are urged to use caution.
The fire is pushing up against railroad tracks, and Amtrak has stopped all train traffic in the area.
Putnam County officials announced those who need to evacuate with horses can take their animals to Rodehaver Boys Ranch. Horses must have updated Coggins and be in emergency need. The Ranch’s barn manager can be reached at 386-336-3435.
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