Wildfire — Coastal Duval, Florida

2019-05-22 to 2019-05-29 · Coastal Duval, Florida

Event narrative

Two wildfires started along U.S. Highway 17 near the Nassau River off of Yellow Bluff Road. On May 22 around 345 pm, one fire was 100% contained with only 25% on the larger southernmost fire which was estimated at 150 acres just north of Yellow Bluff Road. The Yellow Bluff fire spread northwest and portions of Interstate 95 between Interstate 95 near mile marker 368. The right northbound lane of I-95 was closed due to the proximity of the wildfire. At 3:28 pm on 5/23, the Yellow Bluff fire was about 400 acres. Both lanes of I-95 were closed between mile markers 366 and 373 due to the proximity of the fire and smoke blowing over the interstate. The fire did spot on the west side of I-95 Florida Highway Partrol. Around 213 pm on 5/24, the fire was up to 600 acres in size and was about 30% contained. All lanes of Interstate 95 were re-opened except of the right northbound lane for fire emergency vehicle staging. Around 7:30 pm on 5/29, the fire was about 80% contained and was about 604 acres and holding with minimal smoke impacts to Interstate 95.

Wider weather episode

Wildfire potential was elevated across portions of SE GA and NE FL due to recent rainfall deficits and low ground moisture. Record high temperatures and an extended period of low afternoon humidity created an elevated fire danger despite not meeting locally defined Red Flag Conditions. Isolated storms created lightning start fires, including the Perimeter Fire.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 819128. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.