Cannon-Nelson Fire Tops 500 Acres Near Conner Nelson Road

HILLIARD, Fla. — Firefighters from the Florida Forest Service battled the Cannon-Nelson Fire overnight Saturday, growing to 500 acres near Conner Nelson Road, according to agency updates. As of 8:30 p.m. Saturday, the blaze was 40% contained, up from 25% late Friday when it spanned 400 acres. Nine tractor-plow units, a firefighting helicopter with bucket drops and a fixed-wing aircraft for reconnaissance supported ground crews, the Forest Service stated. Nassau County Sheriff's Office reported closures of Bay Road and County Road 121 near Conner Nelson Road to keep traffic away from operations. Nassau County Fire Rescue confirmed 12 homeowners voluntarily evacuated, with damage limited to one barn. A donation center remained open overnight to provide meals for responders, bolstered by Hilliard Little League collections for lunch, dinner and Sunday meals. The fire's growth prompted renewed emphasis on Nassau County's burn ban, still in effect per Forest Service alerts. Callahan Recycling Center Director urged residents to avoid all open burning, noting 'the little tiny spark is what started this whole fire.' The center, near the fairgrounds, accepts waste Tuesdays through Saturdays. This incident unfolds amid Florida's broader emergency preparedness push, with a tropical depression threatening the Gulf Coast and the governor activating 500 National Guard members for storm response statewide. Local efforts reflect the resilience seen in Hilliard's response, keeping first responders fueled as containment advances.