St. Johns County wildfire scorches nearly 700 acres

BAKERSVILLE, Fla. — A wildfire sparked in southwest St. Johns County Monday afternoon near Bakersville has spread to 675 acres and is 75 percent as of Monday night.

The Florida Forest Service said wind conditions fueled the flames, but pushed the fire in the right direction.

“That really played a part in pushing the fire and pushing it west — no structures were in danger, it pushed it away from communities,” Julie Allen, a public information officer for the Florida Forest Service, said.

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She added that the wind died down and humidity levels were up Monday night, which will help crews get the fire under control.

Once it is fully contained, fire investigators will determine what sparked the fire. Officials said no structures were in an danger.

At its height, there were at least 14 dozers fighting flames on the ground and one helicopter bringing extra water along with a plane circling and directing fire fighters from above.

Crosby Barber and her mother were watching on, hoping it didn’t spread near their cattle farm.

“It’s hard to move them — so we don’t know what we would do. We’re just hoping it stays contained.”

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One firefighter was taken to the hospital as a precaution after flames approached his dozer, but the Florida Forest Service said he was not hurt.

FFS said the fire serves as a reminder to make sure you have 30 to 50 feet between your home and vegetation to protect it from wildfires.

Cox Media Group