Wildfire in Eastern Putnum, Florida

On April 19, 2026 at 8 PM EDT, Putnam County WP reported a 700 acre wildfire in Palatka which grew to become the Railroad Fire. On April 21st, the Florida Forest Service decided to combine the Crews Rd Fire in southeast Clay County and the Railroad Fire in northeast Putnam County into the Railroad Complex Fire. On May 1st, the Railroad Complex fire was at 4,796 acres with 80% containment per the Florida Forest Service. On May 6th, the fire was 4,796 acres and 95% containment. On April 29th, the fire was 4,796 acres with 100% containment. The Railroad Complex Fire was officially closed on June 3rd.

Extreme to exceptional drought, dry fuels, and breezy days triggered numerous wildfires in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida in April that continued through the month of May. Multiple rounds of beneficial rain fell across the wildfires in May which helped in the containment of local ongoing wildfires.