Final updates issued for three Gainesville fires
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Forest Service has issued final updates for three of the four fires in Gainesville, although the fires are expected to remain active until we get “sustained, saturating” rainfall; the heightened fire risk in the area is expected to last for about 10 more weeks (probably through June).
State Road 26 fire
The State Road 26 fire covers 306 acres and is 75% contained.
After the initial attack of a wildfire, crews move into operations that include widening and securing fire lines, as well as mop-up; this work may continue for many days and weeks as crews identify and extinguish hot spots, with the objective of preventing fire from crossing the containment lines.
The Florida Forest Service depends on strong and coordinated relationships with other agencies, and representatives from some of those agencies are shown in the photo above.
North Main Street fire
The North Main Street fire is holding at 106 acres and is 75% contained.
Yesterday, Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters put 50,000 gallons of water on the fire in an effort to extinguish hot spots during mop-up operations. They also set up a sprinkler system on the southwest side of the fire, near a bay, to cool down and extinguish heat on the fire. This operation should also result in reducing smoke emissions from the fire.
This will be the final update on this fire unless additional significant information is received.
State Road 121 fire
The State Road 121 fire is still holding at 24 acres and is 80% contained.
Florida Forest Service continues to monitor this fire and conduct mop-up operations in an effort to extinguish hotspots.
This will be the final update on this fire unless significant information is received.
NE 15th Street fire
The NE 15th Street fire is 1.5 acres and 75% contained.
Yesterday, Florida Forest Service firefighters put down 8,000 gallons of water on the fire to extinguish hotspots during mop-up operations. All fire lines are secure. Crews are returning today to continue mop-up.
This will be the final update on this fire.
Send the water bills to the local Bar Association for attracting and grooming homeless campers coming here.
Heroic work – thank you to all those involved in fighting fires and keeping us safe!
Thank you, fire fighters and first responders.
Firefighters are just the best. These folks are real heroes, who deserve our respect, support, and gratitude.
Thank you so much for protecting us all from the wildfires! Bless You All!