- The Cow Creek Fire in Levy County burned 1,400 acres and is 30% contained with ongoing evacuations as of Wednesday morning.
- The Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties burned 4,186 acres, reached 55% containment, and FEMA approved a grant covering 75% of firefighting costs.
- Bradford County experienced a 175-acre fire at 40% containment, and wildfires have caused smoky conditions affecting nearby counties including Gilchrist.
Large wildfires continue in Alachua, Levy, Putnam and Clay counties, with thousands of acres burning and several smaller fires also dot the area.
In Levy County, the Cow Creek Fire hit 1,400 acres and is 30% contained as of Wednesday morning. Evacuations remain in place. One outbuilding was lost, but no residences.
The Florida Forest Service said the fire, like in Alachua County over the weekend, was erratic because of extremely dry conditions and wind shifts pushing the fire in different directions.
Levy County Emergency Management said spot fires are beginning as winds pick up, with fire units and air support battling these flare-ups.
Levy County, which had no wildfires on Sunday, now has seven listed on the Florida Forest Service dashboard, mostly small except for the Cow Creek Fire. Two fires started on Tuesday near Bronson, but those were quickly contained to allow normal operations.
For shelter, residents should check in at the Board of County Commissioners Office (310 School Street, Suite 112, Bronson).
The fires near Gainesville remain under control, and all roads have reopened.
Gainesville Fire Rescue said smoky conditions could continue within the city. Smoke is also impacting Gilchrist County, where no wildfires have been reported, but officials are asking people to be aware of smoky conditions and report any open flames spotted.
Bradford County had a fire spark to life on Tuesday and quickly hit 175 acres. The fire was 40% contained as of 9 p.m., and units were released, though smoky conditions will remain.
The Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties hit a combined 4,186 acres and 55% containment. Hundreds of personnel have combatted the wildfires that shut down the Amtrak line. But as of Wednesday, no roads in the county were closed.
The state of Florida submitted a request on Wednesday to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a grant to assist with fighting the Railroad Fire that threatened 1,500 homes and opened two community shelters with 220 voluntary evacuees.
FEMA approved the grant on Wednesday. The grant will cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
