04/19/2026
8:30 UPDATE:
Crews continue to stay on scene of the 2,000 acre fire in the southern part of the county. The fire in Putnam County is 1,000 acres. Those two fires are at 10% containment total. The only road closed in Clay County is Decoy Road, but it’s open to residents. Highway 17 is back open.
On Sunday we had voluntary evacuations underway for residents living off Varney Rd and Woodward Ln. The evacuation center is Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 1055 CR 226. We have not deemed it safe for residents to return. You can continue to get alerts through this post, Clay County Sheriff’s Office social media pages, SaferWatch, AlertClay, and local media. The call center remains open for any questions about this fire. You can reach the call center at 877-CLAY-EOC. Reminder - it’s not safe to watch the fire as it’s unpredictable, and please do not fly drones over the fire! We won’t be able to get planes in to help fight it if there are drones in the sky. There is a donation center open tomorrow at the Fairgrounds Cattlemen’s Arena from 7-7, if you’d like to drop off snacks and drinks for the crews fighting the fire.
***US 17 BACK OPEN***
Highway 17 at the Putnam and Clay County line is back open. FHP has deemed the visibility safe for drivers.
Donations:
Many of you have asked where you can donate drinks and snacks for our first responders. You can drop off prepackaged donations at the Clay County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall from 7am to 7pm, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 4/21. Items like water, sports drinks, snacks will be accepted. We certainly appreciate all of the consideration for our responders who have been working tirelessly!
3:00 UPDATE:
Heavy smoke in the area of 17 South close to the Clay and Putnam County Lines is creating minimal visibility for drivers. Use extreme caution when driving in this area. If possible seek an alternate route.
1:30 UPDATE:
US 17 is open until further notice. Decoy Road is closed to everyone EXCEPT residents. Please drive slowly and safely on 17 - smoke is to be expected! We’ve opened a call center for any questions relating to the large fire in southern Clay County. That number is 877-252-9362.
Remember, if it’s an emergency call 911.
12:30 UPDATE:
We’ve opened a call center for any questions relating to the large fire in southern Clay County. That number is 877-252-9362.
Remember, if it’s an emergency call 911.
FFlorida Forest Service- Jacksonville District
10AM UPDATE:
We continue to remain on scene of the Crews Road Fire as part of a multi-agency response.
The fire on the Clay County side is approximately 1,700 acres.
We are under a red flag warning, and we are anticipating strong southwest winds today, which could push the fire in that direction. We are closely monitoring conditions to determine any possible hazards and evacuations for residents in that area.
We are asking residents to please refrain from flying their personal drones in restricted airspaces, as we will have to pull air resources if drones are spotted and this will affect emergency operations.
If you want to get emergency updates regarding this fire on your phone, you can sign up for alerts on AlertClay: alert.claycountygov.com. It only takes a few minutes.
You can also download the SaferWatch App to follow traffic updates and emergency response in your neighborhood.
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4/19
10:30PM UPDATE:
We still have units on scene combating the Crews Road Fire, as part of a multi-agency response.
The fire is approximately 1,700 acres, and at 0 percent containment.
We anticipate a long term fire response, and we are asking the public to please avoid the area if possible.
6:50 PM UPDATE:
There are voluntary evacuations underway for residents living off Varney Rd and Woodward Ln in Green Cove Springs. The evacuation center is Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 1055 CR 226.
Along with several other agencies, we are responding to the Crews Road Fire off County Road 209 South, near the railroad tracks. The fire is approximately 1000 acres, and 0 percent contained.
The fire started earlier this afternoon after a train was reportedly throwing sparks. Weather conditions are not favorable and we anticipate a long term fire response.
We are asking the public to avoid the area if possible, and we are advising residents to expect heavy smoke in the area.
PREVIOUS:
We’re working active fires along the train tracks south of Green Cove Springs, near 5660 County Road 209 S near Highway 17 S. Sparks from a train appear to have caused the fires. If possible, please avoid the area and drive with caution as there is heavy smoke. We’re working with CCSO in the area. We will update this post as more information becomes available.
