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Santa Rosa Wildfire Now 40% Contained; Burns 2,000 Acres, Destroys Numerous Homes And Forces Evacuations
May 7, 2020
UPDATE: The fire is now 40% contained.
A massive wildfire swept through part of Santa Rosa County Wednesday, consuming 2,000 acres and burning numerous homes.
As of 12:20 p.m. Thursday, the fire was estimated to be only 40% contained, and the number of structures lost was not yet available.
The following updated evacuation information was released Thursday afternoon:
- Level 1 - Everything south of Mary Kitchens Road on Avalon and Garcon Point Road, and on the west side of Avalon is at a Level 1 evacuation, meaning residents can return to their homes but need to stay aware. Level 1 also extends up to Da Lisa Road.
- Level 2 - Indian Bayou to Mary Kitchens Road and the houses along Mary Kitchens Road are a Level 2 evacuation and may return to home but must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
“Today’s weather is somewhat improved from yesterday’s weather in that the winds will be light and variable from the north at 3-7 mph. But relative humidity will continue to be extremely low at approximately 20%,” Florida Forest Service PIO Joe Zwierzchowski said in an email.
Florida Forest Service crews from throughout the state have been called in to assist with the firefighting efforts. They will focus on improving established containment lines around the fire’s perimeter today in areas both north and south of Interstate 10. They will also conduct structure protection assessments to establish containment lines around homes and neighborhoods that could potentially be threatened by the fire.
High wind and extremely low humidity helped the Five Mile Swamp Fire grow to almost 10 times its size Wednesday morning as winds upward of 20 mph pushed embers from the fire across Interstate 10.
The Florida Forest Service continued to aggressively fight the fire through the night and into the morning with 18 tractor/plow units, three helicopters and a significant number of resources from multiple fire departments from across the area.
Three North Escambia fire stations were dispatched to the fire at Garcon Point. The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were called to assist about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday and were released about 12:45 a.m. The Ensley and Ferry Pass stations also responded. The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was dispatched to help battle the blaze just before 1 a.m. Thursday.
Firefighters will continue to work to extinguish the fire for the next several days, Zwierzchowski said.
I-10 remained closed Thursday afternoon between Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard and Exit 31 at Highway 87, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“This is an extremely dangerous and fast-moving wildfire situation that is evolving rapidly, so everyone in the affected area should follow directions from state and local officials,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, whose office includes the Florida Forest Service. “All residents and travelers should heed evacuation requests and closely monitor the media for updates on the wildfire and reopening of I-10 and local roads. We thank our brave local and wildland firefighters for working swiftly to control this wildfire.”
Hundreds of Gulf Power customers were without power in the area overnight Wednesday due to damaged utility poles.
Thefire started Monday afternoon when a controlled burn by a private contractor got out of control.
The Blackwater Forestry Center is currently not issuing burn authorizations in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
11 Responses to “Santa Rosa Wildfire Now 40% Contained; Burns 2,000 Acres, Destroys Numerous Homes And Forces Evacuations”
REGARDING:
“To whoever said epic fail.. why’d you even put that in the comments we have MANY firefighters out there and the forestry department out there fighting THREE wildfires and doing everything they can to put them out & your comment basically is saying that they are failing”
He may have meant there was a failure in the permitting process which allowed the initial burning.
Or that there was a failure to realize that even though you are allowed to start a fire, it might not be wise.
Living in the woods is also a decision we made which we may or may not question the wisdom of at one time or another.
We don’t really know what was meant by just “Epic fail.”
You might be right and the intent was to disparage every person and department involved.
Until we are certain, we have the option to give the writer the benefit of the doubt.
David for those who try
There have literally been videos and pictures of burned up homes and cars all morning on social media how can anyone be this far behind?
>>This article is very miss leading. Last we heard it was only 500+ acres and yet to hear about a house being burnt.
You are far behind. This is the most current information directly from the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Ag Commissioner.
This article is very miss leading. Last we heard it was only 500+ acres and yet to hear about a house being burnt.
To whoever said epic fail.. why’d you even put that in the comments we have MANY firefighters out there and the forestry department out there fighting THREE wildfires and doing everything they can to put them out & your comment basically is saying that they are failing which there not! Until your a firefighter or had someone in your family that was one you don’t know what they go through so comments like that should really be kept to yourself!!
I live in Molino, FL and have a huge debris pile on my property that needs to be burned. It has been extremely windy for the last week which tells me, “DON’T even think about lighting the debris pile.”
Because of all the wind recently I am totally shocked a permit was even issued. The person that issued the permit may need a remedial “Permit Issuing Commonsense Class”.
I haven’t burned any yard waste for several weeks now because of the higher winds. That alone should have been a no brainer.
a neighbor had an authorized burn get away from them years ago. They had permission from the forestry people, and forestry had dug the fire lines. My friend had to pay all the costs, including the cost of the workers lunch! I wonder what good is a burn permit, then?
Controlled burns are always risky even in ideal conditions. I have burned my property with the assistance of the state and they make you sign a letter releasing them of any liability, well that did 15 years ago. Wind speed and direction can change in a matter of minutes this time of year, causing even the best laid plans to go awry. I just hope no one gets injured because of this. As for as the liability, well that’s for the attorneys to work out.
Epic fail.
Not sure I understand why controlled burn permit was issued. We have been experiencing low humidity and windy conditions this spring.