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Voluntary evacuations were initiated Sunday evening after a train reportedly emitted sparks, igniting a fire near the railroad tracks just south of Green Cove Springs.
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE: Clay County authorities have established a dedicated hotline for residents seeking information about the significant fire raging in the southern part of the county. The hotline number is 877-252-9362. Officials remind residents to dial 911 in case of emergencies.
The Florida Forest Service is now treating the Crews Road fire in Clay County and the Railroad Complex fire in Putnam County as one extensive wildfire, which covers an area of 3,000 acres.
In Clay County, the northern section of the blaze is referred to as the Crews Road Fire. It has currently consumed 2,000 acres and is 5% contained.
The Florida Forest Service has deployed 15 firefighting tractor-plow units to establish firebreaks. Additional air support has been requested and is on its way. At present, two airtankers and two helicopters are actively dropping fire retardant and water over the affected area. Air reconnaissance teams are also actively monitoring the situation.
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.”Â
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.
“15 firefighting tractor-plow units continue to create and improve firebreak contingency lines around the fire, while engine crews patrol the perimeter. Firefighters will be actively engaged throughout the evening. All air operations have been completed for the day. Smoke will be a concern through the night and into tomorrow. Please avoid the area if possible,” the Florida Forest Service – Jacksonville District said in an update Sunday night.
South of the Crews Road fire, in Putnam County, crews are battling another large fire north of Bostwick. Both fires are impacting conditions along the county line, but have not merged into one.
Unincorporated Clay County is under a burn ban due to severe fire risks linked to ongoing drought conditions. No outdoor burning is permitted, including yard debris and campfires. Violations are a second-degree misdemeanor.
CCFR is asking residents to help prevent additional fires by taking certain precautions, like keeping yards clean of dry leaves, properly disposing of cigarettes and avoiding parking or driving over dry grass.
This is a developing story.