South Interstate Fire

South Interstate Fire – June 29 update   

 Officials with Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center have updated the acreage on the South Interstate Fire to 237 acres and it remains 90% contained. Residents and motorists can expect to see smoke from the burned area for the next several days and possibly much longer.

 There is minimal chance for rain in the 10-day forecast and until that area receives significant precipitation, smoldering stumps and duff will produce smoke that will vary in significance.

The lack of rain and high winds are part of what fueled the rapid spread of this fire and are an important fact to remember as we approach the Fourth of July holiday. The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to use caution in their celebrations and abide by state law regarding fireworks and follow the tips listed on Page 2.

Fireworks generally approved for use by consumers include sparklers; small fireworks that emit colored smoke only; and “glow worms,” which burn in bright colors without exploding. The state fire marshal has a full list, including brand names, at http://tinyurl.com/7fuokyt

To illustrate the increase in fire danger and drought in our area, please visit our Website (http://www.floridaforestservice.com/fire_weather/index.html) and click through the KBDI page as well as our Fire Danger Index page and you’ll find that we are in a very unique position right now compared to the rest of the state.

For more information, contact Joe Zwierzchowski with the Florida Forest Service at (850) 957-6140 ext. 127 or (850) 206-2675.