Firefighters making progress against 696-acre Bryceville wildfire – KING5.com

Noon Thursday update on Bryceville fire

First Coast News , WTLV 10:27 AM. PDT March 23, 2017

A fire in the Bryceville area has destroyed or damaged at least 10 homes. PHOTO: Florida Forest Service

A 696-acre wildfire in Bryceville, known as the Garfield Road Fire in Nassau County, has threatened several homes and has caused residents to evacuate. As of 12:00 p.m., the Florida Forest Service (FFS) said the fire is 65 percent contained.

Officials said while assessing the damage in the daylight, thesituation looks better than previously thought. In the Thursday noon press conference crews said they are "getting the situation better under control." We have learned two structures were destroyed, six damaged and about 19 barns or sheds were destroyed or impacted as a result of the fire.

Nassau County Emergency Management has ordered the evacuation of all residents in the areas of CR-121 and CR-119 in Bryceville. SR-121 has been shut down north to DB Hicks and CR-119 due to zero visibility.

Fire officials said in a press conference early Thursday morning that they will continue to monitor the fire and evacuate more residents if they need to. Authorities said there's still a lot of hot concentrated heat sources in some of the rubble that's burning.

Some of what #JFRD was faced with helping in @NassauEM Tough to see the loss of homes and property as we worked throughout the night. pic.twitter.com/slNwlsiwg4

Fortunately, there were no casualties as a result of this fast- spreading fire. Officials said there were minor injuries to First Responders as they were battling the blaze.

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 911 CALL

The fire began around 2 p.m. as an illegal yard burn off of Wills lane. In the 911 call, the wife told dispatch the fire started when her husband started burning moving boxes, as they had just moved into their home. Authorities said Wednesday night it was started by someone burning paper and books off CR-121, but got out of control and grew quickly from five acres to696-acres.

According to Florida Forest Service the person who started the 696-acre wildfire is "remorseful."

Hitting CR119 earlier today #GarfieldRoadFire in Nassau County pic.twitter.com/sDw7zXBttf

#GarfieldRoadFire was caused by someone burning paperback books off CR121 in Nassau County. Burning household garbage is illegal in Florida

FFS said folks in Florida can only burn clean, dry wood. As a result, the individual has been issued a notice for violation for an illegal burn. A forestry bill will also be issued and could be thousands of dollars. FFS said they could also be liable for damages, including houses and livestock lost.

Winds are driving the Bryceville wildfire in Nassau toward Countryside Acres. All residents should evacuate immediately!

@FCN2go Footage of the wildfire from CR 121 pic.twitter.com/XA56VgT224

FFS and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, crews from Georgia, St. Johns County and Duval County responded and are on the scene assisting Nassau firefighters. Authorities estimate that there are about 150 to 175 first responders on the scene, some of them from the Red Cross assisting folks who have evacuated.JFRD said more than 20 units are on the scene with 50 to 60 firefighters.

Seventeen bulldozers are also out on the scene with one tractor damaged and flipped. The person operating the tractor is ok.

Residents seeking shelter can go to Bryceville First Baptist Church at 7732 US-301 where the Red Cross is assisting evacuees.There are other shelters at Gray Gables Church on Church Road, Callahan First Baptist Church on Green Ave and Brandy Baptist Church. If you can help please call 904-329-7231 or you can drop off all donations.

PHOTOS: Missing and found pets following Bryceville evacuation

Crossview mortgage is collecting items such as clothes sheets beds furniture food water dog cat food for all familys of the Bryceville fires and are asking the city to come together and support these families who lost everything.

Bryceville First Baptist Church in Nassau County has room for fire evacuees if you're unable to return to your home this morning @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/QW6sl1Fg4W

NE FL American Red Cross is establishing a host shelter in cooperation with Bryceville Baptist Church, 7732 US Hwy 301

Three shelters have now opened for people in need from Nassau Fire. pic.twitter.com/rud7Md5sKz

Pet owners and livestock owners can drop their animals off at Diamond D Ranch on Solomon Road in Jacksonville. Right now, employees at Dimaond D Ranch say it hasn't received any evacuated livestock, but people can still call their cell phone number: 904-591-3289. Thursday morning, folks can call their office number at 904-289-9331. The Duval County Extension Office has trucks and trailers to help transport livestock if need be and you can reach them at 904-240-8675.

Nassau authorities have set up a hotline for residents to call with questions or information: 904-548-0500.

Fire officials said the fire appears to have been accidental and the individual will face notice of violation, as well as have to repay the state the cost of the fire fight.

2017 WTLV-TV

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Firefighters making progress against 696-acre Bryceville wildfire - KING5.com