JAKCOSNVILLE, Fla. – Smoke drifting from fast-moving brush fires burning miles away is impacting air quality across Duval County and surrounding areas, prompting at least one local school to cancel outdoor activities and health officials to issue warnings.
Parents at John E. Ford Pre K-8 School were notified that recess, physical education classes and other outdoor events were canceled due to smoky conditions on Wednesday. We’ve reached out to the district to learn if other schools were also canceling outdoor activities, but did not immediately hear back.
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The smoke is largely coming from a major wildfire burning near the line between Clay County and Putnam County, where multiple fires have merged into what officials call the “Railroad Fire.” The blaze has grown to more than 4,100 acres and remains 55% contained as crews continue to battle shifting conditions.
Additional smaller fires have also been reported across Northeast Florida, including in Nassau County and areas south toward St. Johns County, contributing to widespread smoke across the region.
In total, more than 16,000 acres are burning across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, fueled by extreme drought conditions and dry vegetation.
Officials say the effects of the fires extend well beyond the immediate burn zones. Smoke has been reported across Jacksonville, including near the Buckman Bridge, where hazy skies reduced visibility during morning commutes.
“For our communities over the next couple of nights, that smoke will be most hazardous during the early morning and evening hours,” said News4JAX Meteorologist Chris Holtzman.
Health experts warn that the smoke contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Dr. Sunil Joshi, the city’s chief health officer, said air quality reached unhealthy levels in parts of Jacksonville.
“You’re actually inhaling very fine particulate matter that can get all the way into your lungs,” Joshi said. “You’re also breathing in carbon monoxide and other compounds being released into the air.”
He said symptoms of overexposure may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness, as well as throat irritation and burning eyes.
Meteorologists say calm morning winds can allow smoke to linger close to the ground, worsening conditions before dispersing later in the day as winds increase.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality using AirNow and to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early morning and evening hours when smoke concentrations tend to be highest. You can type your address into Airnow.gov to get air quality reports from your neighborhood.
Authorities emphasize that even without visible flames nearby, smoke alone can pose significant health risks.