Amtrak Passengers Stranded 18+ Hours in NC Due to Brush Fire Track Closure

An Amtrak Silver Meteor train bound from Orlando to New York stopped in northeastern Florida. Passengers headed for Fayetteville, North Carolina, were held for many hours after a brush fire forced a track closure.

Timeline and passenger conditions

The train left Orlando at 12:36 p.m. on Sunday. It was scheduled to reach Fayetteville at 11:47 p.m.

After about two hours of travel, the train halted just beyond Palatka. It then reversed to Palatka and discharged some riders. As of 10:45 a.m. Monday, many passengers remained on board.

Passenger Jordan Harrington told Filmogaz.com the fire prevented further movement. He described cramped, uncomfortable conditions. He said families with infants were running low on formula and diapers.

Wildfire developments

Amtrak reported crews were monitoring two wildfires near the Clay‑Putnam County line. Local reports indicated the blazes had merged and expanded rapidly.

An initial passenger estimate put the affected area at about 300 acres. Subsequent assessments reported the combined fire burning more than 3,000 acres. Palatka sits in Putnam County in northeastern Florida.

Amtrak response and wider service impacts

Amtrak said crews were working to move Train 98 toward Miami. Onboard customers received snack packs, beverages, and lounge car food.

When the train reached Orlando, Amtrak planned to serve pizza. The carrier offered full refunds and travel vouchers to affected travelers.

Service adjustments

• Silver Meteor Trains 97 and 98 will originate and terminate in Jacksonville.
• Train 97, scheduled to depart Tuesday, was canceled.
• Floridian Trains 40 and 41 saw schedule changes. Train 40 will depart from Savannah Monday.
• Train 41, which left April 18, will terminate in Savannah. Its Tuesday departure was canceled.
• Auto Trains 52 and 53 were canceled for Monday service.
• Bus service will run between Miami and Jacksonville for Silver Meteor and Floridian customers on Monday.

Travelers bound for North Carolina described being Amtrak passengers stranded for more than 18 hours as the delay extended toward Fayetteville. The track closure caused by the brush fire disrupted operations across the corridor.