JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several significant wildfires are currently blazing across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Firefighters are striving to manage these fires, which are fueled by severe drought conditions ranging from extreme to exceptional.

In Brantley County, Georgia, a major blaze has expanded significantly, now engulfing over 5,000 acres, escalating from 1,500 acres noted on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by local officials. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents, resulting in the destruction of dozens of homes. Consequently, school has been canceled for Thursday.

Teams from various local and state agencies are diligently working to subdue the fire, with the federal government pledging further support for the related challenges. Emergency services have closed certain roads as the situation evolves.

Residents in the area describe the unfolding scenario as unprecedented.

“We kind of expected something with the drought conditions we’ve been experiencing, but we never anticipated it would escalate to this extent,” said Korey Sellers. “I just bought a new house last year and recently moved in a couple of miles from here. I’m just hoping and praying I don’t have to move further away.”

Meanwhile, crews continue to battle the Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties in Florida, which has now grown to more than 4,000 acres.

We have the latest updates here.

4:00 p.m. Wednesday Update: The fire is now listed as 15% contained at 5000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. The agency said the fire is expected to continue growing over the next 72 hours, and that approximately 1000 homes are threatened.

“The fire remains under a full suppression strategy, indicating aggressive efforts to control it. Fire behavior is described as extreme, with wind-driven runs, spotting, and group torching,” the agency wrote.

3:40 p.m. Wednesday Update: FEMA announced that it has approved the use of federal funds to help combat fires in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. Through the Fire Management Assistance Grants, the states will receive reimbursement for some costs related to the Pineland Road and Highway 82 fires in Georgia and the Railroad Complex fire in Florida.

“These grants provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for Fire Management Assistance Grants through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters,” FEMA wrote in a news release.

2:01 p.m. Wednesday Update: The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has issued and extended a mandatory evacuation for the following areas:

• GA-110 (Yellow Pine Rd) to Thrower Rd
• Browntown Road from Hwy 82 to Greenleaf Rd

 Officials say if you are in these areas, evacuate immediately. Do not delay.

1:47 p.m. Wednesday Update: A State of Emergency has officially been declared for Brantley County as of April 22, 2026 due to the ongoing wildfire. The Brantley County Board of Commissioners and Emergency Management Agency have activated the Emergency Operations Plan to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Brantley County citizens.

1:35 p.m. Update Wednesday: The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office has issued an immediate and mandatory evacuation for Browntown Road from Highway 82 to Greenleaf on the west side of the highway.

BCSO says if you are outside the mandatory evacuation area and feel unsafe, please evacuate now.

Residents are urged to leave as quickly and safely as possible and continue monitoring the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office social media page for official updates.

11:30 a.m. Wednesday Update: Approximately 49 homes have been impacted, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. 

In social media update, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office has said areas of active fires include the following: 

• Hwy 110 West to South of Drury Lane
• 110 East near Gallberry Road
• Old SR-259 to Satilla Estates
• Highway 82 to Satilla River to Browntown Road

They are advising residents to avoid travel: 

• Waynesville Road to Highway 110
• Waynesville Road to Highway 259
• US Highway 82 is closed from Nahunta to the Glynn County Line
• Satilla Pines to Browntown Road

They are warning residents that winds may shift rapidly and that people should be prepared to evacuate immediately. 

BCSO says those needing extra time to prepare should leave now. The recommended evacuation route is Highway 32. 

They are advising people to use air conditioning to recirculate, consider an N95 mask if outside, and to drive slowly with low-beam headlights.

Day shelters with food and water are at the following locations:

• Hortense Church of God – 6756 Highway 32 East, Hortense, GA 31543
• Southside Baptist Church – 550 School Road, Nahunta, GA 31553
• Nahunta United Methodist Church – 107 E Cleveland Street, Nahunta, GA 31553
• Little Memorial Baptist Church – 106 Little Memorial Road, Hortense, GA 31543

Night shelter locations will be announced later today.

11:15 a.m. Wednesday Update: All Brantley County schools will be closed Thursday 4/23 due to ongoing fire hazards. 

Nahunta Nutrition will be serving a community lunch at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. They’ll be serving burgers, hotdogs, and chips. The address is 13891 Cleveland St East, Nahunta, GA 31553.

8:40 a.m. Wednesday Update: The wildfire has expanded to cover over 5,000 acres Wednesday morning with containment at 5%, according to Brantley County Public Information Officer Jay Sellers.

At least 47 structures, including some homes, are lost to the wildfire as of Wednesday morning, Sellers told First Coast News.

Cason said likely more than 75 people were left without their homes.

While the damage is extensive, residents appear to have avoided serious injury. Cason said he was not aware of any deaths or serious injuries related to the fire.

“Crews remain actively engaged in containing the wildfire,” a Georgia DNR spokesperson said Tuesday night. “The Georgia Forestry Commission is working with local Emergency Management on ongoing damage assessments.”

Fire containment quickly deteriorated Tuesday evening, with the fire growing rapidly from 700 acres and losing almost all containment progress, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Brantley County officials plan to hold a news conference at noon on Wednesday to provide more information on the fire’s status and impacts.

Students at Waynesville Primary School and Atkinson Elementary were evacuated during the school day to the Brantley County Middle School gym. Brantley County Schools later announced that all schools would be closed to students and staff on Wednesday as the county deals with this “ongoing crisis.”

“This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our students, families, and employees, and to allow our Brantley County families time and space to navigate the impacts of the fire. We know that many in our community have been directly affected, including some who have experienced the loss of their homes.

“Our hearts are with all those impacted. During times like these, we remain committed to supporting one another as a school community and would like to thank all of our volunteers and emergency responders working to meet community needs.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates regarding next steps as information becomes available.

“Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and care for one another.”

The following roadways are expected to be closed overnight into Wednesday:

• 82 Nahunta to Post Road (both E&W bound)
• 110 E to Camden Line
• 110 W to 32
• Hwy 259 to Camden Co. Line

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the following locations:

• GA-110 (Yellow Pine Rd) to Thrower Rd
• From Thrower Rd to Mossy Oak
• Browntown Road and the Hawks Landing Neighborhood 
• Happy Hollow
• Drury Lane
• Drury Court
• Coffee Co. Club Road
• Warners Landing
• Oaks Woodlands
• Atkinson Road
• Godberry Lane
• Brushing Creek,
• Fort Mcintosh to Highway 520

Multiple shelters are open to accommodate residents who need to evacuate:

• Brantley County Library (14046 E Cleveland St, Nahunta, GA 31553)
• Methodist Church (107 E Cleveland St, Nahunta, GA 31553)
• Little Memorial (106 Little Memorial Rd, Hortense, GA 31543)
• Hortense Church of God of Prophecy — (6756 Highway 32 E, Hortense)
• Evacuation Relief Station — Nahunta First Baptist (112 Florida St, Nahunta, GA 31553)
  • Water and restrooms available

Nahunta Nutrition is accepting donations for first responders. They are accepting cases of water and snacks. They say they will distribute it to the responding departments.

3:40 p.m. Wednesday Update: FEMA announced that it has approved the use of federal funds to help combat fires in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. Through the Fire Management Assistance Grants, the states will receive reimbursement for some costs related to the Pineland Road and Highway 82 fires in Georgia and the Railroad Complex fire in Florida.

“These grants provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for Fire Management Assistance Grants through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters,” FEMA wrote in a news release.

FEMA said that at the time of Florida’s request for assistance on Wednesday, April 22, more than 1500 homes were under threat from the Railroad Fire in and around Clay and Putnam counties. Approximately 220 people had voluntarily evacuated. 

1:30 p.m. Wednesday Update: Clay County Fire Rescue said the fire is holding at 4,186 acres and 55% contained. 

No roads are closed in Clay County and the fire continues to remain south of Green Cove Springs (Sweat Road), and east of Highway 17 to the county line.

CCFR says the air quality is diminishing and they are asking people to please avoid the area where the fire is as the smoke along the highway is heavy. 

There are NO NEW VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS in place aside from Varney Road and Woodard Lane, and officials have not deemed it safe to return to those areas. 

You can sign up for emergency alerts through alert.claycountygov.com or download the SaferWatch app.

9:30 a.m. Wednesday Update: Clay County Fire Rescue said in a social media post said no roads on Clay County are closed. 

The fire continues to remain south of Green Cove Springs (Sweat Road), and east of Highway 17 to the county line. The smoke has pushed north past Green Cove Springs, and the air quality is diminishing. 

Please avoid the area where the fire is as the smoke along the highway is heavy. There are NO NEW VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS in place aside from Varney Road and Woodard Lane, and officials have not deemed it safe to return to those areas.

8:50 a.m. Wednesday Update: The Railroad Fire in southern Clay County/northern Putnam County remains a combined 4,186 acres and is 55% contained. Hundreds of responders from multiple counties and the state continue to fight this fire.

Decoy Road is back open at this time, Clay County Fire Rescue said.

10:30 a.m. Tuesday Update: Clay County Fire Rescue said in a 10:30 a.m. social media update that U.S. Hwy 17 remains open, but drivers should avoid the area if they can due to heavy smoke in the area. 

At this time, CCFR says no new evacuations have been ordered, and a voluntary evacuation is still in place for residents of Varney Road and Woodard Lane, adding that officials have not yet deemed it safe to return to those areas. 

CCFR officials say boaters should avoid the St. Johns River at this time, since firefighting aircraft are using the river to refill their water tanks. They remind people to not fly drones over the fire or the water, as it prevents firefighting aircraft from reaching the fire.

Officials said they appreciate residents’ offers to volunteer, but none are needed at this time. Also, it is not safe to come look at the fire, so avoid the area.

9:30 a.m. Tuesday Update: The Bostwick Library in Putnam County is closed Tuesday due to smoke in the area, the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners announced. 

The board said the Palatka Library is open at 601 College Rd, Palatka. For more information, call the Palatka Library at 386-329-0126.

9:08 a.m. Tuesday Update: The Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam Counties has grown in size to 4,112 acres and is now 50% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. 

Voluntary evacuations are still in place. 

8:40 a.m. Tuesday Update: The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said West Tocoi Road is back open with limited visibility. They’ve also received information that Decoy Road is closed at U.S. Hwy 17, but the highway itself is still open in Putnam County. Use caution on these roadways. 

Officials say smoke from the Railroad Fire has reached Palatka, East Palatka and parts of southern Putnam County.

The coast guard is issuing a marine advisory for the St. Johns River in Putnam County. Zero visibility conditions on the water surrounding Bostwick and north into Clay. 

8 a.m. Tuesday Update: The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday West Tocoi Road and Eagle Creek are closed at this time due to low visibility. 

The Florida Forest Service announced Monday evening that the Crews Road Fire in Clay County and the Railroad Complex Fire in Putnam County have merged into what is now being called the Railroad Fire. The fire spanned approximately 3,000 acres and was estimated to be 10% contained at 7 p.m.

The Railroad Complex fire began north of Bostwick Monday, as the Crews Road fire began south of Green Cove Springs along the railway. Although an official cause of the Clay County fire was not named, officials said it was believed to have started due to sparks from a train.

Highway 17 has experienced on-and-off closures near the county line due to smoke impacting the visibility of drivers. It reopened shortly after 6:30 p.m. Monday after being closed for hours, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office

In a press conference Monday evening, state and local fire and emergency management officials provided an update on the Railroad fire.

Clay County Fire Rescue Chief Lorin Mock said there were no mandatory evacuations, but that evacuation recommendations from Sunday night remain in place.

Voluntary evacuations have been enacted for homes near the following locations:

• Clay County: Varney Road and Woodward Lane; Residents are encouraged to evacuate to Shiloh Baptist Church on County Road 226.
• Putnam County: Guthrie Road, Hunter Road, Boogerville Road and White Tail Trail; Residents are encouraged to evacuate to the Bostwick Community Center at 125 Tillman Street.

Putnam County officials said those who need to evacuate with horses can take their animals to Rodehaver Boys Ranch, which is offering a safe place for horses in their paddocks. Those looking for more information can contact the Ranch’s barn manager at 386-336-3435. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center has also offered to help those needing to evacuate animals. Find more info on their service here.

“Earlier today, Florida Forest Service had 63 personnel, 36 dozers, 10 engines, and 2 fixed-wing aircraft responding to this fire. Federal resources included 3 VLATS (Very Large Air Tankers), scoopers, a helicopter, and air attack. These numbers are fluid based on the dynamic needs of this fire which has been exhibiting erratic fire behavior. Spotting occurred today on the west side of US Hwy 17,” the Waccasassa Forestry Center said Monday evening.

Mock said there was no known structural damage in Clay County, but it may take time to get a full assessment of the most impacted areas. Donations of pre-packaged food, meals and water will be accepted Tuesday at the Clay County Fairgrounds from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Exhibit Hall Two, a Clay County Emergency Management official said.

Executive Director Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management said that Florida’s State of Emergency for drought and fire conditions first issued in February remains in place, and that Governor Ron DeSantis is aware of the need for assistance in Northeast Florida. Guthrie said that Putnam County is seeking additional equipment from the state, and that the Florida National Guard would offer help by air beginning Tuesday. 

Guthrie warned that we will likely see many more fires like these throughout wildfire season, which is just getting started. 

He and Mock said the fires reminded them of the devastating 1998 wildfire season, during which half a million acres were scorched statewide. Jacksonville and surrounding areas saw significant damage, and major highways experienced shutdowns for months. The entirety of Flagler County was placed under a mandatory evacuation in July of 1998 due to the flames.

Watch the press conference below: