Santa Rosa County Wildfire Outbreak
BERRYDALE FIRES: Seven separate fires for a total of 60 acres with the largest being 30 acres. Six of the fires are contained, the largest one is not but it is in a swamp and crews will continue to monitor it in the morning and work to improve the fire lines.
These fires are all believed to be arson caused and linked to the Indian Ford Road Fires. The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has a lead on a suspect and will be following up on it. Anyone with information on any arson caused wildfires is asked to call 1-8000-342-5869. Callers may remain anonymous and could earn up to $5,000 if their tip leads to an arrest.
INDIAN FORD ROAD FIRES: Two fires totaling 160 acres along Indian Ford Road near Henderson Smith Road. Suspected to be linked to the Berrydale fires. No containment number available.
AVALON/MARY GARZON WAY FIRE: Not linked to the other fires and the cause is under investigation at this time. Roughly 50 acres and 50% contained. Those numbers might change in the light of day once firefighters are able to get a better look at the scene.
The fire started on the northeast side of the intersection of Avalon and Garcon Point Road, spread rapidly and jumped to the west side of Avalon where it threatened 25 homes along Michael Drive. Crews were able to hold the fire just south of Garcon airstrip and no evacuations were necessary.
Both Garcon Point Road and Avalon Boulevard were closed at different points because of smoke and lingering smoke could be an issue overnight and in the morning along Interstate 10 especially on the Escambia Bay Bridge. Drivers are urged to use caution and treat smoke like fog. Headlights on, drive slowly and if they feel the need to stop, pull a safe distance off the road and turn on their hazard lights.
Forest Service crews will address any hot spots or flare ups and return in full force this morning to improve lines. Morning commuters along Avalon are asked to be careful when driving through the area as crews and machinery will be present.
