NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County fire crews and law enforcement continued working to put out a massive wildfire in a rural area west of Bryceville on Friday.
The fire quickly grew quickly overnight to about 1,600 acres overnight, but was reported at 1,053 acres Friday evening. The land burned didn’t grow throughout the day and was 75% contained as of 8 p.m., according to the Florida Forest Service active fire map.
Video taken Friday afternoon showed a few smoldering hot spots, a big difference from Thursday afternoon when plumes of thick smoke and ash filled the sky.
Crews said fire activity was minimal Friday and great progress was made.
Nassau County officials said all roads have been reopened but the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office will be patrolling through Friday evening. If the smoke settles back in and visibility is compromised then road closures will be reinstated as needed, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Florida Forest Service said there is now a crew coming to the area from Panama City. Once they arrive they’ll relieve other crews that have been working and then get right to work to keep fighting the wildfire.
“Scary. Very scary,” said Breanna Shaver who lives not far from the fire.
In a tweet Thursday, Nassau County Emergency Management said the fire, which is in a rural area near St. Marys River, started north of 119 and is was west toward CR-121.
According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the cause of the fire has not been determined and is currently being investigated. Officials said there have been a lot of rumors online but nothing has been confirmed.
The Red Cross is feeding the first responders on Friday so their food needs are taken care of but drinks like water and Gatorade are always appreciated, the Sheriff’s Office said. Donations can be delivered to Station 60 at 8291 US Highway 301.
FHP said smoke may affect U.S. 301 south to the I-10 area and visibility could deteriorate quickly, especially in the early morning hours and at night.
Troopers encouraged drivers to reduce speed to avoid collisions and use low-beam headlights to adapt to changing weather conditions.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is also responding to the fire. Robert Chase with the Florida Forest Service (FFS) said tractors were actively cutting fire breaks all day Friday.
Fourteen tractor-plow units, six of which are working to protect homes, and four engines are working to contain the fire, according to Chase. FFS had a helicopter dropping water as well.
Officials also suggested residents in the area prepare to evacuate in case an evacuation is called. Some residents were seen on Sky4 packing up their vehicles. No evacuations have been ordered as of Friday evening and Chase said he doesn’t expect one to be issued.
Shaver said she plans to stay prepared just to put her mind at ease.
“We have both of our trailers fully packed full of medical supplies and. We have all of out important medical documents packed and clothes packed for a good two weeks,” she said.