Railroad Fire Scorches 3,000 Acres Near Clay-Putnam Line

The Crews Road Fire in southern Clay County and the Railroad Complex Fire in northern Putnam County merged Monday into the 3,000-acre Railroad Fire, the Florida Forest Service announced at 7:30 p.m.[1][2][4] Sparked Sunday afternoon by sparks from passing railcars along tracks south of Green Cove Springs, the blaze exploded under erratic winds, jumping U.S. Highway 17 and threatening structures.[1][5] As of Monday evening, containment stood at 10%, with 63 personnel, 36 dozers, 10 engines, two fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters on scene, bolstered by federal Very Large Air Tankers, scoopers and air attack.[1] Voluntary evacuations were ordered Monday afternoon in the Guthrie Road and Hunter Road areas of Bostwick near the county line, with Putnam County deputies and Fire-Rescue going door-to-door.[1][2] Evacuees were directed to the Bostwick Community Center at 125 Tillman St. in Palatka.[1] U.S. 17 was shut down at 4 p.m. at the Boogerville Hideout due to smoke and visibility issues but reopened by 7 p.m., with Florida Highway Patrol warning of ongoing hazards along U.S. 17, County Road 214 and Palmetto Bluff Road into Tuesday.[1][2][5] Amtrak service faced delays from the fires.[2] Clay County Fire Rescue Chief Mock warned of a "long-term fight," with extensive fire conditions expected for days or weeks.[1] Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie activated the Florida National Guard's aviation unit for Tuesday support.[1] Ground and air crews continued suppression efforts Monday amid fast-moving behavior fueled by dry conditions.[2][7]