Florida Forest Service says lightning fire is source of smoky conditions

Neighbors seeing ash near UNF and Mayo Clinic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A lightning strike that sparked a fire on private property is the cause of smoky conditions on the Southside according to the Florida Forest Service.

Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Annaleasa Winter told News4JAX the fire started Wednesday when a lighting strike hit a wooded area nearly two miles south of J. Turner Butler Blvd. and 3 miles east of I-295.

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The fires is 15 acres in size and is 75% contained.

The fire is surrounded by a swampy area which is adding to the difficulty in fighting the fire.

Many neighbors in that area have reported heavy smoke from the University of North Florida to the Mayo Clinic on San Pablo Road.

Residents are advised to keep the windows in their cars and homes closed and to drive carefully if the conditions worsen.