Wildfire forces road closures in Franklin County

Authorities have shut down Highway 65 and Sand Beach Road as crews battle the blaze.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of orange, grey, and black, depicting a distant wildfire raging across a vast, desolate expanse, with thick smoke obscuring the horizon and dwarfing any visible structures or roads.A wildfire in Franklin County forces the closure of key roads, exposing the region's vulnerability to the growing threat of extreme weather events.Eastpoint Today

A wildfire has prompted the closure of Highway 65 and Sand Beach Road in Franklin County, Florida. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office reported that there is no estimated time for when the roads will reopen, as Florida Forestry Service and Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department work to contain the blaze.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a common threat in the Florida Panhandle, especially during dry and windy conditions. Road closures can significantly disrupt travel and access for residents and emergency services in the affected areas.

The details

The wildfire has forced the closure of two key roads in Franklin County - Highway 65 and Sand Beach Road. Authorities have not provided an estimated timeline for when the roads will reopen, as firefighters from the Florida Forestry Service and Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department continue their efforts to control the blaze.

  • The road closures were announced on April 19, 2026.

The players

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that reported the road closures due to the wildfire.

Florida Forestry Service

The state agency responsible for managing and responding to wildfires in Florida.

Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department assisting in the response to the wildfire in Franklin County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities have not provided a timeline for when the roads will reopen, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

The takeaway

This wildfire highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in the Florida Panhandle and the importance of road access for emergency response and community safety during such events.