UPDATED: 693 acres scorched by wildfire in St. Johns County, now 90% contained, officials say

BAKERSVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE TUESDAY 5/18/2021 AT 4:50 P.M.

Officials say the fire is now at 693 acres, but is 90% contained.

The fire started from a Florida Forest Service’s prescribed burn that go out of containment lines.

Right now, firefighters are focusing on putting out any hot spots that are left in the area in preparation for Wednesday’s dry and windy day.

Officials say they plan to be out there for days as the last 10% of the wildfire can take a while to contain.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m.:

The public information officer for the Florida Forest Service Bunnell District, Julie Allen, provided an update on the wildfire Monday evening.

675 acres have been scorched by this wildfire, but 75% of that 675 is now contained, Allen said.

Several other agencies have been assisting the FFS Bunnell crew, including two helicopters.

Allen said one helicopter completed 38 drops on the wildfire Monday.

Fortunately, no structures are in danger, and there is no threat to the community.

The westward winds from earlier in the day helped push the fire away from the community, Allen said.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital after his dozer was surrounded by the fire, but Allen said he was uninjured and only transported for safety precautions.

When asked about what started the fire, Allen said crews are focusing their efforts on suppressing and containing the fire right now. Once it is safe, they will be able to go back to take a look at the area and determine how this fire started.

Thankfully, the weather will help with suppression efforts throughout the evening.

Allen said with the relative humidity up, and the wind dying down, the forward progression of the fire will be slowed, allowing firefighters to get ahead of the flames and get containment lines in place.

Their hope is to have the fire at 100% containment by midnight, Allen said.

UPDATE 7:41. p.m.:

The Florida Forest Service of Bunnell has announced the fire is now 500 acres, with 40% of it contained.

Officials say at this time there are no structures in danger and there are no evacuations being conducted.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.:

The Florida Forest Service of Bunnell has announced the fire is now 200 acres, with 10% of it contained.

There are now 14 dozer plows units on scene to battle the fire.

There are also two air supports are assisting as well.

PHOTOS: Wildfire in St. Johns County

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Wildfire in St. Johns County Smoke fills the air from the 200-acre fire. Right now, the fire is 10% contained, according to Florida Forest Service. Photo from Action News Jax viewer Samantha Thomas

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.:

First Alert Meteorologist Mike Buresh explains how wind is effecting the wildfire in St. Johns County.

ORIGINAL STORY:

There is a 100-acre wildfire in St. Johns County off County Road 208, according to the Florida Forest Service.

The fire is near Oscar Ashton Road and Pacetti Road, which is Southwest of the St. Augustine Premium Outlets.

Wildland firefighters of the Bunnell district have 10% of the fire contained as of now.

According to FSS, no structures are currently in danger.

Crews have seven dozer plow units on scene establishing containment lines, the FSS said.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Cox Media Group