JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Specialized wildfire teams from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) have deployed to the front lines of the Railroad Fire, a massive blaze currently tearing through southern Clay and northern Putnam counties.
The fire, which is believed to have been sparked by a passing Amtrak train over the weekend, has scorched 4,413 acres. While it began as two separate fires, the blazes eventually merged into one large-scale emergency. As of the latest reports, the fire is approximately 70% contained.
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JFRD crews were dispatched Tuesday following a request for regional assistance. The deployment includes two brush trucks, each staffed by two personnel, and a specialized unit dedicated to maintaining radio communications for ground crews.
“We have our most highly specialized people out there,” said Austin Gambill, JFRD Deputy Division Chief of Operations. “Not only are they experts in wildland firefighting, but they are also specialized in skid steer operations and heavy equipment.”
The crews are currently working grueling 12-hour shifts to combat the blaze. Gambill said the goal is to “add more manpower to cover as much ground as possible.”
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While JFRD is answering the call for help beyond Duval County, officials stressed that local safety remains the priority. Duval County is currently under a burn ban warning due to extreme drought conditions, but Chief Gambill reassured residents that Jacksonville remains fully protected.
“We are part of a large system of public service. We’re here to protect everybody,” Gambill said. “Our priority is Jacksonville, but when our neighbors and our friends call for help, we’re there to help them.”
The mission may not be over soon. JFRD indicated they have received a request of an “extended duration” for their deployment as containment efforts continue.
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