JACKSONVILLE, FL — Wildfires burning across Florida have forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted rail travel as the state endures one of its worst droughts in a quarter-century. More than 100 active fires have scorched over 12,000 acres, with major flare-ups near Jacksonville and Gainesville.
Fire Weather Warnings covered much of the state Tuesday as dry air and gusty winds kept conditions dangerous. The threat is part of a broader Southeast dry spell that has left nearly the entire region in drought.
Fire Lines Grow
In Clay and Putnam counties south of Jacksonville, two fires merged into the Railroad-Crews Road Fire, which has burned more than 4,000 acres and was 50% contained. Evacuation orders were issued Tuesday, and some roads were shut down because smoke reduced visibility.
County officials said one of the fires was started by sparks from an unspecified train. Nearby, people who evacuated Sunday in parts of the Gainesville area were later allowed to return home, though some road closures remained in place.
Travel Disruptions
The fires also hit passenger rail service. Amtrak canceled trains between Jacksonville and Miami on Monday and again Tuesday, along with service from Miami to Savannah, Georgia…