GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — UPDATE: As of 12:00 p.m. Monday, the Florida Forest Service has estimated the Crews Road Fire in Clay County to be 2,000 acres and 5% contained.
The Forest Service says erratic fire behavior can be expected throughout Monday due to wind conditions.
Clay County officials say they are closely monitoring conditions to determine any possible hazards and evacuations for residents. No further evacuations have been issued at this time.
Crews on the ground and in the sky will continue working to suppress the fire and slow its spread. Heavy smoke is expected along Highway 17 and within the greater area.
People are urged to avoid the area.
For emergency updates regarding this fire, Clay County officials ask residents to sign up for alerts on AlertClay: alert.claycountygov.com.
The Clay County Fire Rescue Department has opened a call center for any questions regarding the fire at 877-252-9362.
10 p.m. UPDATE: The Florida Forest Service has reported the size of the fire south of Green Cove Springs, called the Crews Road Fire, to be over 1,700 acres and 0% contained as of 10 p.m.
No additional evacuations have been made at this time. Varney Road, Woodward Lane, County Road 209 South and Highway 17 South/Decoy Road remain closed.
All train traffic has been stopped as the fire has pushed up against the railroad tracks.
Officials warn motorists in the surrounding areas to drive with caution as heavy smoke is causing low visibility.
Crews will continue to work on stopping the spread of the fire throughout the night.
8:30 p.m. UPDATE: The Florida Forest Service has reported the size of the fire south of Green Cove Springs to be 1,700 acres and 0% contained as of 8:12 p.m.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has issued voluntary evacuations for those on Varney Road and Woodward Lane. Varney Road and Woodward Lane will be closed after evacuations are conducted.
Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 1055 CR 226 in Green Cove Springs, is the designated evacuation point for those affected.
The Sheriff’s Office will also close County Road 209 South and Highway 17 South/Decoy Road.
People are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
The Clay County Fire Chief, Lorin Mock, says the fire will likely burn for days, making it a long-term fight.
Action News Jax has a crew on the scene and will continue to provide updates as we receive new information.
Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office sent out an alert that multiple fires had sparked along the train tracks south of Green Cove Springs Highway 17 South. The fires are said to have started by a train sparking.
CCSO warns the public to avoid the area around 5660 County Road 209 South as first responders work to clear the area and contain the fires.
The Clay County Fire Rescue Department tells Action News Jax that no homes are threatened and no evacuations are in place at this time.
Those driving through the area are asked to do so with caution as there is heavy smoke.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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