Bradford County officials said Wednesday night they are closely monitoring a significant wildfire burning just across the county line in Alachua County that is sending visible smoke over State Road 26. The drifting smoke is moving toward parts of Bradford County and could cut visibility on nearby highways, so county authorities are urging drivers to slow down and use extra caution anywhere the roadway looks hazy.
In a Facebook post, Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith shared photos of the scene and said the fire was burning on State Road 26 between Orange Heights and Hatchett Creek near County Road 234. He warned drivers headed south on U.S. 301 or State Road 24 that they may see smoke and said Bradford County would post updates if the blaze pushes north.
Where The Fire Is Burning
The location described by the sheriff puts the fire along SR-26 east of Newberry, around the Hatchett Creek crossing by CR-234, an area of pine flatwoods and rural parcels where flames can spread quickly. State Road 26 has been closed during past wildfires in the same corridor, and smoke has forced slowdowns and detours in earlier incidents, as reported by News4Jax.
Smoke Could Impair Visibility: What Drivers Should Do
Wildfire smoke can quickly reduce visibility and create health hazards. Public health guidance recommends avoiding outdoor exertion, limiting exposure and setting vehicle air systems to recirculate if travel is necessary, according to AirNow. During recent Florida smoke events, law enforcement advisories have urged motorists to slow down and use low-beam headlights, and drivers are also encouraged to check the state's real-time traffic system at FL511 for camera views and incident alerts.
Bradford County imposed a countywide burn ban earlier this year amid dry conditions, a step local officials said was meant to reduce wildfire risk. That countywide burn ban was covered by Hoodline in February. Residents near the SR-26 corridor should monitor official sheriff and county channels and FL511 for verified updates as the situation develops.
