Officials Say No Outside Burning After Firefighters Battle Multiple Wildfires

January 22, 2014

The Escambia County Public Safety Department is asking residents to refrain from starting any kind of outdoor fire until our dry, windy conditions improve.

The National Weather Service has also issued a “Red Flag Warning” (no burning allowed); the winds speeds and relative humidity are at such a level that they have led to a number of brush fires in Escambia County in the past two days.

  • The first major wildfire Tuesday was reported about 11:05 a.m.  off Williams Ditch Road. Two acres burned initially, and by 11:36 a.m. the fire was considered under control. Firefighters returned later in the afternoon as the fire flared up again. The Florida Forest Service used bulldozers to cut two fire lines to fully contain the threat. Crews remained on the scene until late afternoon.
  • At 12:32 p.m., firefighters were called to East Chipper Road. Three acres were originally estimated to be on fire. High wind quickly pushed the fire east toward some homes, but no evacuations were ordered. Two fire engines, four brush trucks and the Florida Forest Service battled the blaze.
  • At 1:20 p.m. an out of control trash fire was reported at 6550 North Palafox Street. Firefighters quickly contained this fire as it spread toward a tree line.
  • At 2:22 p.m., firefighters responded to an half acre spreading brush fire in the 600 block of Community Drive. Firefighters were able to get control of the fire.
  • At 11:20 a.m. Monday, a wildfire was reported on Garrett Road just off Pine Forest Road in the Walnut Hill area. The fire burned about 10 acres and threatened an abandoned home.
  • At 12:10 p.m. Monday, a second wildfire was reported about 12:10 p.m. on Goodale Lane off Highway 97A in Enon. That fire burned about two acres.

Pictured top: A wildfire burns deep in a wooded area behind the Cottage Hill Baptist Church on Williams Ditch Road Tuesday afternoon. Pictured inset: A wildfire near East Chipper Road Tuesday. Pictured below: About 10 acres burned Monday on Garrett Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Officials Say No Outside Burning After Firefighters Battle Multiple Wildfires”

  1. dixiebug on January 22nd, 2014 5:55 pm

    I live off Williams Ditch road and saw and smelled the smoke,I am so glad we have such brave Firefighters.It was so windy and they did a great job,Thank you…

  2. Queenbee on January 22nd, 2014 6:37 am

    I live on East Chipper Road and was so relieved to see all the fire trucks rushing by to handle this wild fire. As I prayed for their safety and the protection of homes, people and animals, I knew they would handle the situation. Kudos to all the firefighters who risk their lives to keep us safe. You are very appreciated.

  3. Debbie Lee on January 21st, 2014 4:08 pm

    So very proud of our firefighters!!! Thankyou for all that you do. <3

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News