Wildfires in Gainesville forced evacuations Sunday as separate fires along the St. Johns River grew to 1,000 acres each. We have the latest updates here.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several major wildfires are burning across Northeast Florida Monday morning as crews work to contain the fires, spreading under extreme to exceptional drought conditions.

Fires just north of Gainesville prompted evacuations Sunday which have since been lifted, and two major fires, in Clay County and Putnam County, respectively, have grown in excess of 1,000 acres with little containment. Voluntary evacuations were underway for some homes in Clay County Sunday. 



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Here’s the latest updates as firefighters work to contain the fires.


Crews Road fire – Clay County

9 a.m. Monday Update: The fire area is still 1700 acres and 0% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service

Voluntary evacuations are underway for some homes as Clay County crews respond to a massive fire believed to have been caused by a train Sunday, according to Clay County Fire Rescue.

The Crews Road fire is located along the train tracks south of Green Cove Springs and Clarkes Creek, near County Road 209 S and Highway 17 S. The Florida Forest Service lists it as one single fire spanning 1700 acres, although there may be multiple ignited spots.

“Sparks from a train appear to have caused the fires,” CCFR wrote in a social media post Sunday afternoon. “If possible, please avoid the area and drive with caution as there is heavy smoke.” 

Clay County spokesperson Laura Christmas said a long-term fire response is expected, and the railroad has been closed in the area. County Road 209 S and Decoy Road remained completely shut down along Highway 17 Sunday night.

People living near Varney Road and Woodward Lane are advised to evacuate voluntarily to Shiloh Baptist Church on County Road 226.

“We’ve advised over 20 residents to be able to leave. Some of have chosen to do so, some of not. In a worst-case scenario, we’ll advise a general evacuation,” Clay County Fire Chief Lorin Mock said.


Railroad Complex fire – Putnam County

9 a.m. Monday Update: The fire area is 1000 acres and 5% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. Officials say to expect smoke signs along U.S. Hwy 17 as smoke drifts that way. The fire itself is one mile east of the highway. 

First responders are working to contain a fire reported north of Bostwick and east of U.S. Highway 17 in Putnam County Sunday.

According to the Florida Forest Service’s active wildfire map, the Railroad Complex Fire in Putnam County is now spanning 1,000 acres with 5% containment as of around 4:30 a.m. Monday.

Officials closed West Tocoi Road near Palmetto Bluff Sunday night and closed the railway to Amtrak trains. The public is asked to avoid the area if possible.

Firefighters are protecting at-risk structures in the area of Eagle Creek and West Tocoi, and federal aerial tanker planes have been deployed from Chattanooga to assist.


Main Street and SR 121 fires – Gainesville

Authorities in Alachua County said Sunday night residents in the Eryn’s Garden area near N. Main Street and State Road 121 in Gainesville could return to their homes after two separate wildfires threatened residential areas. 

The Main Street fire currently sits at 106 acres with 25% containment, and the SR 121 fire is 25 acres and 60% contained as of early Monday morning. 

The Florida Forest Service said Main Street was closed Sunday at NE 53rd Avenue and NE 39th Avenue as crews worked to battle the blaze, and the wildfire threatened structures.

Alachua County Public Schools announced they will be open Monday, but there will be no outdoor activities during the school day, saying they will give information on extracurricular outdoor activities later in the day on Monday. 

Crews are still actively engaging spot fires in the area. 


Conner-Nelson and Buford Bay fires – Nassau County

Nassau County firefighters are continuing to battle two large brush fires in Hilliard.

As of Sunday night, one fire located off Conner-Nelson Road is 500 acres in size and 75% contained, according to Nassau County Emergency Management.

“Crews were experiencing some spotting from the fire but were able to catch all spots,” Nassau EM said in a Facebook post. “Today’s (Sunday’s) priorities are to continue with firebreak line improvement, focus on interior and perimeter line hot spots while continuing to monitor fire activity. Crews are expected to be on scene throughout the day with mop-up operations. Please use caution if you are in the area.”

Meanwhile, the second fire, located near Buford Bay off Georgia Street, is reportedly 100 acres in size and 30% contained.

“Crews have a contingency line surrounding the fire,” Nassau EM said. “Today’s (Sunday’s) operations will have three heavy firefighting tractor-plow units and three medium tractor-plow units. A Florida Forest Service fixed wing aircraft will be monitoring district fire activity. Crews are expected to be active in the area off of Georgia St. and the Buford Bay area. Please avoid the area if possible as smoke may be an issue.”

County officials said a Florida Forest Service helicopter dropped 116 buckets of water on flames and identified hot spots, while three heavy dozers stayed overnight Sunday, creating and improving existing contingency lines.