Today, on April 22, 2026, residents of St. Augustine are grappling with the effects of a significant wildfire that has spread smoke across a wide area, including their beloved city. Early this morning, a large forest fire in Putnam County prompted the St. Johns County Fire Rescue to issue a smoke warning at 9 AM. The situation escalated, with the Coast Guard issuing a maritime warning for the St. Johns River, noting that visibility was reduced to zero near the fire.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the Railroad Fire has already burned 4,112 acres in northeastern Putnam County and southern Clay County, and as of 8:30 AM, it was 50% contained. This fire is burning in a region between U.S. 17 and the St. Johns River, north of the Bostwick community, and has crossed into Clay County. On the same day, four other wildfires were reported in Putnam County, including the Millican Road Fire, which has burned 50 acres and is 70% contained, the Mondex 3 Fire at 256 acres and 80% contained, and the Pace Court Fire at 343 acres and 85% contained.
Current Wildfire Status
In Clay County, a separate fire near the Belmore State Forest has burned 366 acres and is now fully contained. Fortunately, the Florida Highway Patrol has reported no road closures in Putnam or Clay County; however, the ongoing fires are causing visibility issues. The number of active wildfires in Florida has been increasing steadily, with 135 active fires reported today, up from 113 on April 21. In total, nearly 21,000 acres have burned today alone, a significant jump from approximately 13,000 acres on the previous day.
Overall, between January 1 and April 19, 2026, Florida has seen 103.211 acres burned and registered 1,797 wildfires. The air quality in Florida, according to the EPA, remains moderate to good despite the smoke from the fires.
Drought Conditions and Fire Restrictions
Adding to the challenges, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that as of April 14, 2026, an astounding 99% of Florida is experiencing some level of drought, affecting approximately 18.1 million residents. The drought conditions are severe, with 50.9% of the state classified under extreme drought and 20.2% under exceptional drought. This has led to fire bans in 39 of Florida’s 67 counties, including St. Johns, Putnam, Clay, and Duval, which typically restrict burning garden waste and vegetation, as well as campfires and bonfires.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is being closely monitored to assess the risk of wildfires based on soil moisture and dryness. With the dry conditions persisting, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
For those seeking more detailed information on the current wildfires and the ongoing situation in St. Augustine and surrounding areas, visit the original report by the St. Augustine Record.