Fire crews contain fire west of Watermelon Pond

Staff report

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Fire crews contained a fast-moving wildland fire in the southwest part of Alachua County this afternoon.

At about 4 p.m., units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, Newberry Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service responded to a fast-moving wildland fire west of Watermelon Pond. Crews arrived to find approximately 5–6 acres actively burning and a nearby barn fully involved. The barn contained a large amount of hay, which contributed to heavy fire conditions.

Firefighters from all responding agencies worked quickly to contain the wildland fire using brush trucks, tractor plows, and support from a forestry airplane. Their coordinated efforts successfully stopped the fire from spreading to additional structures. No civilian or animal injuries were reported.

Alachua County Fire Rescue reminds residents to follow all proper burn regulations when burning yard debris and to comply with any active burn bans. Safe burning practices are essential in preventing wildland fires, especially during dry and windy conditions.