Wildfire Off Avalon Blvd.***** Updated****
The I-10 fire is currently estimated at 250 acres and 70 percent contained. Crews will remain on scene overnight. Avalon Blvd. is still closed from I-10 to Mary Kitchens Road, but law enforcement is allowing residents access to their homes. Smoke is in the area and drivers are asked to use caution or take alternate routes where possible.
I-10 Wildfire, Residents Asked to Monitor Conditions
A fire originating on San Pablo Ave. in the Avalon area was reported to Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications at 12:19 p.m. The fire burned approximately 1.5 acres before jumping I-10 near the 22 mile marker. Winds are quickly causing the fire to spread southward, with an estimated additional 60 acres burned. The fire is currently not threatening structures, however residents south of Indian Bayou to Mary Kitchens Road are asked to monitor conditions near their home and be ready to evacuate if needed.
The 9-1-1 center is currently receiving an overwhelming number of calls reporting the fire. The public is asked only to call 9-1-1 regarding the fire if a structure is being threatened or you are having a medical emergency. While no roads are currently closed, heavy smoke is in the area and drivers are asked to use caution or avoid the area if possible.
Crews from Avalon, Bagdad, Midway, Pace Florida Forest Service, and Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Offices are on scene. Florida Forest Services has four bulldozers and one en route, one fixed wing air craft and helicopter responding to the fire.
Seven homes evacuated.