Traffic Alert: 400-acre wildfire closes part of SR-26 in Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – All lanes on State Road 26 between County Road 234 and U.S. 301 in Alachua County were closed Wednesday as fire crews worked to extinguish a more than 400-acre wildfire.

The massive wildfire started in the Balu Forst on the north side of SR-26.

In a 9 p.m. update, airtankers made six retardant drops to slow down the fire’s progression, but it remained at 400 acres and was only 30% contained.

No structures were threatened, and there were no calls for evacuation at the time.

The Florida Highway Patrol advised drivers to use caution in the area due to decreased visibility, especially at night, because of the smoke.

Motorist should slow down and use their low beams to adapt to the changing weather conditions.