Firefighters also battling 575-acre Mussett Bayou Fire in Walton County
The Florida Forest Service continues to battle a 2,000-acre wildfire in Santa Rosa County, and is asking motorists and residents to remain clear of the area. The agency also continues to battle a 575-acre wildfire in Walton County.
Five Mile Swamp Fire: A wildfire broke out on the afternoon of Monday, May 4, and has grown ten times in size since yesterday morning, aided by high winds and extremely low humidity. The Florida Forest Service has deployed its Blue Incident Management Team, 18 tractor plow units, and multiple fixed wing aircraft and helicopter units to battle the blaze. Multiple local fire departments have also responded to the fire. The State of Florida has requested Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) aid from FEMA. A map of the fire-impacted area may be viewed here.
Containment: As of 10:00 AM ET, the fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and 35 percent contained. Winds upwards of 20 mph have driven embers across Interstate 10. Approximately 12 structures have been lost to the fire.
Evacuations: Residents south of Interstate 10 and east of Avalon Boulevard have been recommended to evacuate. The evacuation will continue until 12:00 PM CST Thursday, May 7, and will be further evaluated at that time. Santa Rosa County has established emergency shelters. Residents seeking shelter should contact Santa Rosa County at 850-983-INFO.
Road Closures: At the current time, I-10 remains closed between Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard and Exit 31 at Highway 37, per 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 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 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.”
Video: Video from the wildfire can be found here as well as on Twitter and on Facebook.
Mussett Bayou Fire: Florida Forest Service firefighters are also currently battling a wildfire in Walton County. As of 10:00 AM EST, the fire is estimated at 575 acres and is 60 percent contained. The Florida Forest Service has deployed 15 tractor plow units and 2 engines, and is also working with local fire departments; 2 additional dozer strike teams are en route. Approximately 500 residents have been evacuated, and approximately 33 structures have been lost to the fire. Highway 98 has been closed at this time due to fire operations. The State of Florida has requested FEMA FMAG assistance.
Media with questions regarding the Five Mile Swamp Fire should contact Florida Forest Service local PIO Joe Zwierzchowski at 850-206-2675. Media with questions regarding the Mussett Bayou Fire should contact Florida Forest Service local PIO Steve Weherley at 850-625-6621. Updates may also be found on Twitter at @FFS_Blackwater, @FFS_Chipola, @FLForestService, and @FDACS.
