North Florida fires reach 34,000 acres in hurricane-affected areas
The fire in the Florida Panhandle spreads to 3 counties.
Photo: Florida Forest Service / Courtesy
Three wildfires that started last week in the Florida Panhandle have burned more than 34,000 acres and threaten surrounding communities amid dry and windy weather, according to authorities.
The fires, collectively called the Chipola Complex, are being fueled by dead trees and other vegetation left behind by Hurricane Michael in 2018, the firemen said.
“This is a living beast that breathes ” Brad Monroe, chief of emergency services in Bay County, said Tuesday during a news conference. “When it produces its own weather, you see lightning strike into a fire on a sunny day, it’s amazing. Words cannot describe it.”
The largest fire in the Chipola Complex, the Bertha Swamp Road fire, was larger than 33,03 acres and was contained in a 20%, according to a press release from the Florida Forest Service on Wednesday.
The Bertha Swamp Road fire started in Gulf County and spread to Bay and Calhoun counties, east of Panama City, a popular tourist destination, fire officials said.
Governor Ron DeSantis activated a state of emergency in all three counties.
At my direction, @FLDEO is working to provide $6.1 million to help Northwest Florida families get back on their feet after these devastating fires.
We stand with you. pic.twitter.com/jIfTYivQv7
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 8, 2022
Over the weekend, fires forced almost 1 to evacuate,80 homes, although all evacuation orders have been lifted for the Adkins Avenue and Star Avenue fires.
The community of Broad Branch near Kinard in Calhoun County was evacuated Tuesday due to the Bertha Swamp Road fire, officials said.
A light and steady rain was expected on Wednesday which will reduce the heat and intensity of the fire and allow better access for firefighters trying to control the flames.
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