SATURDAY UPDATE: Wildfire east of Gainesville is still 306 acres, 60% contained
Staff report
Updated at 8:30 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A wildfire east of Gainesville is still 306 acres and 60% contained, according to an April 18 update from Florida Forest Service officials. Crews are focusing on widening containment lines and mopping up hot spots in preparation for this weekend’s predicted severe fire weather watch, which is expected to include strong, gusting winds.
Previous update:
According to an update from the Florida Forest Service (FFS) at 2 p.m. on April 17, the increased size is due to a couple of spot fires from yesterday that were quickly identified and contained.
Multiple agencies are still working the fire, widening containment lines and attempting to extinguish hot spots. The objectives include preparing the fire area for the weather front that is predicted to arrive in our area over the weekend, bringing with it strong, gusting winds that have the possibility of increasing fire behavior and spread.
FFS says that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Was headed towards Melrose on SR26 yesterday and had to take a detour into the country because of the fire …, and then, what I thought, was a dangerous crossing at HWY 301!
Adding maps to article were very helpful.
FFS promised a map yesterday afternoon, but the maps weren’t released until well into the evening.