Smoky conditions could settle over Duval County tonight as a large wildfire burning to the southwest pushes haze into northeast Florida, emergency officials warned. People who are sensitive to smoke, including those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, pregnant people, young children and adults over 65, should limit outdoor activity and take precautions inside. City agencies said there are no active wildfires inside Duval County at this time and asked residents to call 911 if they see flames or a heavy, defined column of smoke.
Where the smoke is coming from
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the South Canal Fire is burning roughly 1,200 acres and was reported about 30% contained. Incident listings place the blaze roughly 12 miles south of Mayo. Local reporting in the Big Bend said Lafayette County deputies warned the smoke and ash plume was moving northeast toward US-27 and County Road 420, briefly reducing visibility and prompting school and road alerts, according to WCTV.
What Duval residents should do
Duval County emergency preparedness officials urged residents who are sensitive to smoke to limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes heavy, and to monitor air quality on the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map, according to JaxReady. The EPA's AirNow site explains how to use the Fire & Smoke Map and recommends reducing indoor sources of pollution, staying inside with windows closed, and using an air cleaner if available when wildfire smoke affects air quality. Those tips come from AirNow.
How local officials are responding
The City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Fire & Rescue say they are closely monitoring regional smoke and have taken steps in recent weeks to discourage open burning amid dry conditions. Outdoor burning remains prohibited without a permit, according to the City of Jacksonville. Separate updates from JFRD note that crews are coordinating with neighboring counties and that residents should report active flames or heavy smoke to 911. Fire managers in Lafayette County have committed dozers, helicopters, tanker planes and other resources to containment efforts, local reports say.
Where to watch for updates
For real-time plume forecasts and air quality readings, check the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map and follow Duval emergency channels for local advisories. JaxReady and the City of Jacksonville will post updates as conditions change. If you spot flames or a heavy, defined column of smoke, call 911 immediately and avoid the area until crews say it is safe.
