Wildfires disrupt Amtrak rail services and strand passengers in Florida

Wildfires along the eastern border of Putnam and Clay counties, Florida, disrupted passenger rail operations on April 20, prompting Amtrak to suspend services and implement emergency transport adjustments across a major north–south corridor.

The wildfire complex includes two wildfires. The Railroad Complex Fire in Putnam County has burned approximately 405 ha (1 000 acres), while the Crews Road Fire in Clay County has expanded to about 688 ha (1 700 acres).

Combined estimates place the total burned area between approximately 1 093–1 214 ha (2 700 and 3 000 acres). Containment remained minimal, with local fire authorities reporting levels near zero to low single digits at the time of assessment.

AMTRAK cancelled Train 98, part of the Silver Meteor service, which stopped north of DeLand with 232 passengers on board. The halt was implemented as a precaution due to proximity to active fires and associated hazards, including reduced visibility and potential exposure of rail infrastructure. Train 97 was also cancelled earlier that day due to the fires.

“Due to significant fire department activity north of Palatka, all rail service has been temporarily halted due to local municipal officials closing the tracks to battle a major fire ahead on the route. We sincerely apologize for this delay and appreciate your patience and understanding as this action is being taken for the safety of everyone involved,” said AMTRAK

Auto Train services were canceled, while other routes, including the Floridian and Silver Meteor lines, were truncated to terminate in Savannah and Jacksonville. Limited bus transportation was arranged between Miami and Jacksonville to maintain partial connectivity, though capacity constraints limited redistribution of affected passengers.

The National Weather Service warned that gusty winds combined with low humidity across Central Florida would sustain elevated fire danger on April 21, increasing the likelihood of continued spread and complicating containment efforts.

References:

¹ Major wildfires effectively shut down Amtrak travel in and out of Florida – News4JAX – April 20, 2026

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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