GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – All of North Central Florida was under a fire weather watch and red flag warning on Monday as multiple wildfires burned in the region. Updates on the current wildfire conditions will be posted throughout the day below:
9:30 p.m. Red Flag extended to Tuesday
Due to ongoing drought conditions, low humidity values & breezy winds, a RED FLAG WARNING has been extended to Tuesday.
LINK: www.wcjb.com/weather/
7:00 p.m. Clay County Sheriff’s Office officials announced Highway 17 at the Putnam/Clay County line is back open. FHP deemed the visibility safe for drivers. 5:30 p.m. Dixie County issues mandatory burn ban
After reviewing Dixie County’s current wildland fire conditions and the area weather forecast, officials issued a mandatory countywide burn ban. The ban will remain in effect until weather conditions improve to allow open burning.
The county joins other communities in the region, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, Marion, and Union counties.
4:45 p.m. Voluntary evacuations issued in Putnam County due to the Railroad Fire
Due to the unstable nature of the brush fire along the Putnam and Clay County line, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has begun voluntary evacuations for Guthrie Road, Boogerville Road, Hunter Road, and White Tail Trail. Deputies and firefighters went door-to-door to alert residents.
Bostwick Community Center, 125 Tillman Street are open for residents.
Additionally, FHP and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have closed part of US 17 north of Palmetto Bluff Road due to visibility.
4:00 p.m. Some Gainesville roads reopen
Gainesville Police Department officers say State Road 121 (34th Street) between US 441 (13th Street) and County Road 231 had reopened. Closures may be necessary in the future as the fire and weather conditions change.
N. Main Street between 39th Avenue and 53rd Avenue remains closed.
RELATED: Alachua County declares state of emergency as wildfires burn in northeast Gainesville
3:30 p.m. Bradford County brush fire contained
Bradford County and Florida Forest Service firefighters contained a brush fire in the area of Southwest County Road 18 and 131st Lane.
Units plan to remain on scene for a while to ensure the containment lines hold.
3 p.m. New details on arrest of Gainesville man during wildfires
Gainesville police arrested a 52-year-old man for breaching fire lines as emergency responders worked to fight wildfires on Sunday.
Jeffrey Emminger, 52, faces charges including failure to obey, resisting arrest, and fleeing.
MORE: Gainesville police arrest man for breaching fire lines during wildfire response
2 p.m. Marion County issues mandatory burn ban amid worsening wildfire conditions
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has issued a countywide mandatory burn ban effective as of 5 p.m. on Monday.
The county joins other communities in the region, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, and Union counties.
1:30 p.m. Gainesville & Alachua Co. leaders give updates on wildfires, declare state of emergency
Alachua County has declared a state of emergency in response to the multiple wildfires burning in the county and dry conditions forecasted.
Representatives from Alachua County and Gainesville fire rescues, Gainesville Police Department, the Florida Forest Service, and the city held a press conference in Gainesville at 1 p.m. to provide an update on wildfire conditions.
RELATED: Alachua County declares state of emergency as wildfires burn in northeast Gainesville
Florida Forest Service PIO Ludie Bond explained that emergency crews responded to two fires near Gainesville that started on Sunday.
The North Main Street #2 Fire was more than 100 acres and about 25% contained as of Monday afternoon, with activity increasing on the south end of the fire.
North State Road 121 #2 Fire was estimated at 24 acres with 60% containment.
County Road 226 Fire started last week and burned more than 100 acres. It’s considered 65% contained; however,
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya clarified that the following traffic changes remain in effect due to the fires.
N. Main Street between 39th Avenue and 53rd Avenue remains closed.State Road 121 between US 441 and 77th Avenue is open to local traffic only.State Road 121 remains closed between 77th Avenue and County Road 231.1:15 p.m. Putnam and Clay County fires burn thousands of acres
According to the Florida Forest Service, the Railroad Complex Fire is about 1,000 acres and is considered 5 percent contained.
The Crews Road Fire in Clay County is estimated at 2,000 acres and borders on Putnam County. More aerial resources are on the way to assist.
Clay County officials opened a call center for anyone with questions: 877-252-9362. They urge anyone with an emergency to call 911.
The #RailroadComplexFire is about 1,000 acres and is considered 5 percent contained(Florida Forest Service – Waccasassa Forestry Center)11:15 a.m. First Alert Meteorologist explains reason for increased wildfire risk
When gauging the risk for wildfires, we mainly look at three things:
First, the dryness of the ground and soil. Given the Extreme and Exceptional drought conditions across NCFL, the ground is very dry and unsaturated.
Second, we look for dry atmospheric conditions: With a relatively low humidity in the 20-30% range after the frontal passage on Sunday, the air is very dry right now.
Lastly, we look at winds: Very breezy Northeasterly winds on Monday, gusting in the 25-30 mph range. The combination of all three factors at a high level is why we are dealing with the elevated fire risk, not just fires developing, but also rapidly spreading.
FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Extremely high risk for developing and rapidly spreading wildfires today
10:45 a.m. Recycling center closes in Alachua County
Alachua County officials announced the 121 Rural Collection Center will be closed on Monday due to the fires in the area and the road closures. Updates will be posted as they are known. For more information, please call 352-338-3233.
10:30 a.m. Water drop helicopters flown to the Rifle Range fire in Lake City
Lake City Fire Department officials warned residents of heavy smoke and firefighting resources near the city due to the Rifle Range fire. The more than 130-acre fire near Water Town was considered contained as of Monday morning.
Residents were warned of water drop helicopters responding to the fire and drones evaluating containment lines. People should avoid the area due to potential dangers caused by the helicopters.
7:00 a.m. ACPS open, but outdoor activities canceled
Alachua County Public Schools are open on Monday despite fire conditions; however, all outdoor activities will be canceled
Officials say further information on extra-curricular activities will be released sometime today as well.
6:00 a.m.: All evacuations lifted for wildfires in Alachua County
Evacuation orders have been lifted for all homes in Alachua County after many were evacuated on Sunday due to two wildfires.
The following roadways are impacted:
North Main Street between 39th Avenue and 53rd Avenue remains closed.State Road 121 between US 441 and 77th Avenue is open to local traffic only.State Road 121 remains closed between 77th Avenue and County Road 231.
FULL STORY: Evacuation orders lifted as crews battle wildfire nears Pine Tree neighborhood in Gainesville
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