Wildfire Burns 70 Acres; Dry Conditions Mean Greater Fire Risk

May 8, 2018

About 70 acres near Gulf Beach Highway in Escambia County burned Monday, and forestry officials say the danger of wildfires is increasing county-wide due to dry conditions.

The Florida Forest Service battled the fire with six tractor/plow units and a helicopter dropping 300 gallons of water at a time. Numerous units from Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

The fire neared several residences, but there were no reports of fire damage.

For additional photos, click here.

The fire was mostly contained by 6:30 p.m. The cause of the fire was not known.

The longer the area goes without rain, the greater the risk of wildfires, according to the Blackwater Forestry Service. High winds, continued drying and low humidity are contributing the danger across Escambia County.

Photos by for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Additional photo gallery photos by Kristi Barbour and others for NorthEscambia.com.

Comments

2 Responses to “Wildfire Burns 70 Acres; Dry Conditions Mean Greater Fire Risk”

  1. Anne on May 8th, 2018 1:34 pm

    @ Grand Locust

    You are right as rain on that.
    Need several nights of some of the good long easy rains to provide moisture and soak in without running off. Would do the plants and trees and humans and other critters including the fish a lot of good.
    Don’t need thunderstorms with lightening to start new fires.
    Come ON Rain, but no bad storms or big hurricanes.

  2. Grand Locust on May 8th, 2018 11:52 am

    We need rain, or this is going to be the norm.

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