04/21/2026
NORTH FLORIDA WILDFIRE UPDATE + EVACUATION PREP
We’re seeing rapidly spreading wildfires across North Florida including areas close to home like Clay, Putnam, and Hilliard—and the smoke alone is enough to impact your horses.
⚠️ Signs of Smoke Inhalation
Increased respiratory rate
Flaring nostrils / labored breathing
Persistent coughing
Nasal discharge (especially dark or sooty)
Lethargy or reluctance to move
Decreased appetite
🚩 Call your vet ASAP if you see:
Open-mouth breathing
Severe coughing or distress
Weakness or inability to stand
Gums that look dark, red, or abnormal
🐴 Quick Tips
Limit exercise
Keep horses in cleanest air possible (avoid heavy smoke areas)
Provide constant access to fresh water
Soaking hay and reduce dust where possible
🚛Trailers & Vehicles
Fuel up trucks NOW
Check tires, brakes, lights
📦“Go Kit” Essentials
Coggins + paperwork (paper + digital)
Halters/lead ropes (labeled)
Medications & first aid
3–5 days of feed/hay
Buckets & water
🏷️ ID Your Horses
Neck bands / halter tags
Spray phone number on hooves/coat
Take updated photos
📍Plan Ahead
Have 2–3 evacuation locations lined up if you can
Know your routes (fires can close roads quickly)
⚠️ Practice loading NOW
Horses behave differently under stress
Evacuation Option
*Jacksonville Equestrian Center25/ night. This fee is only to cover the cost of stripping the stalls after you leave and 2 bags of shavings. – Call ahead and visit them on Facebook for updated info and contact numbers
* The Ranch at Traders Hill LLC is taking evacuations from both Florida and Georgia, and may be able to assist with trailering
Please call at (904) 735-5066
*If you have room, consider helping neighbors relocate animals early
Below are links to stay updated on current fire updates:
watch duty app: https://app.watchduty.org/
FDACS: tinyurl.com/mt94pdfa
