PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – State and native fireplace crews are battling two fast-spreading wildfires only a few miles other than one another near the Clay-Putnam County line, threatening constructions and prompting voluntary evacuations.
The Florida Forest Service says crews responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. Sunday to a hearth in Clay County, south of Green Cove Springs, which has burned 1,700-1,800 acres and is 0% contained as of Sunday night.
Clay County officers say sparks from a prepare probably began the hearth near County Road 209 and Maranda Drive.
Voluntary evacuations are underway for residents in residing off Varney Rd. and Woodward Ln. in Green Cove Springs. The evacuation heart is Shiloh Baptist Church, positioned at 1055 CR 226, in accordance with county officers.
Crews from Jacksonville, St. Johns and Putnam assisted within the fireplace. Flight crews from Chattanooga accomplished 4 drops to guard constructions within the space.
There are not any stories of any constructions broken but, however officers say they’re threatened.
Clay County Fire Chief Lorin Mock says unfavorable climate circumstances will probably make the response to this hearth a multi-day occasion.
“With the really low humidity that is forecast for the next couple of days we are going to have a hard time working it and getting control,” Mock mentioned.
A second fireplace only a few miles south in Putnam County is burning north of Bostwick, east of U.S. 17. That fireplace has burned 700 acres and is 5% contained as of Sunday night.
FFS says buildings are threatened within the space of Eagle Creek and West Tocoi, however the company didn’t give a particular quantity.
Florida Forest Service PIO Robert Chase mentioned now’s the time to be sure to are ready for an emergency.
“You really need to ask yourself ‘Are you wildfire ready?’” he mentioned. “Be mindful.”
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