Valerie Crowder is a freelance reporter based in Panama City, Florida. The National Weather Service reports south-southeast wind speeds of 15-20 mph for the Panama City area on Sunday. Around 600 homes have been evacuated, authorities said. To see more, visit WFSU. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. A burn ban has been issued in Bay County. Authorities have set up an emergency area for evacuees at the Hiland Park Baptist Church in Panama City. We do not know,at this time, when people may return to their homes," Monroe said. Fireworks go off in the Vinoy Yacht Basin in St. Petersburg. Bay County Sheriff's deputies are working to evacuate residents in the area, including a nursing home. All three fires have put neighborhoods in the eastern part of the county under mandatory evacuation orders. The largest fire the Bertha Swamp Road Fire grew by about 3,000 acres overnight. "It's wind-driven. Here's a list of products that use it. And we're seeing spotting about a quarter to a half a mile.". Crews Battle Two Large Wildfires in Florida Panhandle An interactive map that shows the approximate location of the fires is also live. Suspect critically injured in domestic-related arson in Zephyrhills Tori B. Powell is a breaking news reporter at CBS News. 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Kennedy Jr. NewsNation town, Worker dies while setting up Chicago NASCAR race, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A Florida county ispushing residents to evacuate due to a fast-moving wildfire, with officialsissuing a state of emergency. "This is a tremendous effort on the part of our federal, state and local governments.". Robot vacuums make life easier. More than a dozen tractor plow units are on the ground, multiple helicopters are assisting from the air and more than 200 firefighters are battling the blaze, the Florida Forest Service said. Tampa Fire Rescue and Hillsborough County Firefighters showed up afterward and put out the blaze. Ford thanked all first responders for their valiant efforts. Florida wildfire: Fire quickly grows to 1,400 acres as hundreds Bay County Emergency Services officials have named it the Star Avenue Fire. Florida county Firefighters and equipment from all over the state, including Jacksonville, Hernando, Orange and Pasco Counties, along with crews from across the Panhandle are working to help contain the fires, Sale said. PUBLISHED 11:03 AM ET Jun. CNN More than 600 homes have been evacuated as a fast-moving wildfire in Bay County on the panhandle of Florida prompted authorities to issue a state of emergency. According to a release from the Bay County Sheriffs Office, the fire is currently at 265 acres. The cause of the Adkins Avenue Fire is under investigation. Florida Forestry Service officials said the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The fire, which hasso far destroyed two homes and damaged at least a dozenothers, apparently started after a homeowner burning trash was not able to control the fire, according to the Panama City News Herald. Homes destroyed, evacuations ordered as wildfires burn out of "I saw some amazing things today. "That's a big boy," said Gov. Florida Fournette was a running back for the Buccaneers until he was released in May, according to the teams website. Tampa officers shoot, kill man in gunfire exchange, police say Some firefighters have been injured while working to contain the fires, but that number was not reported. As of Sunday afternoon, it was burning in three counties and had grown to 9,000 acres. The one thing that isnt unique about fireworks i n Florida is the risk they pose for everyone involved. Adkins fire:Two homes destroyed, dozen more damaged in Adkins Road fire. Festivities include a largescale riverfront concert, spectacular The Adkins fire moving through Bay County, Florida, had blazed across 800 acres as of Friday evening and resulted in 600 homes being evacuated, the Florida Forest Service tweeted. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. The Florida Highway Patrol said the incident happened on northbound I-275 near Fowler Avenue at about 10:35 a.m. FFS County-Enacted Burn Ban Map:This map reflects the county-enacted burn bans as reported to the By Spectrum News Staff Volusia County. in Panama City, were taken to the shelter or nearby hospital. Those in areas from Transmitter Road to Star Avenue between Highway 231 and Highway 98 are under mandatory evacuations. Florida Update 5:20 p.m. CST: Three wildfires are now raging in Bay County as firefighters from across the state work to contain the blazes. As of Saturday morning, the 1,500-acre (607 hectare) Adkins Avenue Fire was 30% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. The Bay County fire, which started Friday, is 30% contained, the forest service said in a news release. The national guard has also been deployed to help. The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As of Saturday morning, the 1,500-acre (607 hectare) Adkins Avenue Fire was 30% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. Thousands of acres near Panama City are torched as Florida Robot vacuums make life easier. This is a very badsituationand this could have been much worse had itnot been for their effort.". Firefighters continue to work to protect people and property. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The hurricane was directly responsible for 16 deaths and about $25 billion in damage in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Ron DeSantis during a press conference Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, another nearby fire, called the Bertha Swamp Road Fire, grew to 3,000 acres on Saturday, according to the Florida Forest Service - Chipola Forestry Center. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said the wildfire is theresult of "a fire that somebody was burning behind a house thatgot out of control andspread to the north and to the east.". Florida WebBay County Fire Services serves the rural and suburban unincorporated areas of Bay County responding to structure and wildland fires as well as first responder calls in assistance to The fire was about 25-30 acres at 3 p.m. and was 45% contained, said Joe Zwierzchowski, a wildfire mitigation specialist with the Florida Forest Service. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. As of 7 p.m., the Adkins Avenue fire was down to approximately 861 acres and 35% contained, the Florida Forest Service reports. Bay County's largest wildfire still growing, more firefighters and The large majority of what burned is sawgrass along the edges of Deer Point Lake. Don't wait for wildfire.". Fire Services Division | Bay County, FL She has a B.A. Former Buccaneer Leonard Fournettes SUV catches fire while Updated at 9 a.m. CST Firefighters are working to put out a growing 1400-acre fire in Bay County. Bay County, Florida Emergency Services Multiple agencies in Bay County and neighboring The Bay County Sheriff's Office said the fire, which is located just south of Highway 231, has scorched more than 800 acres. Published: Feb. 20, 2023 at 10:53 AM PST BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - As of Tuesday at 9 a.m., The Florida Forest Service reports that the Steelfield Fire is State of emergency declared over wildfires in Bay County - ABC This is a really significant, fast-moving fire," DeSantis said. The state has promised us assets and we look forward to receiving those.". "The Bertha Swamp Road fire is very active this morning," he said. Florida fire He says firefighters are quickly putting out those smaller fires or "spots" when they start. This added fuel and dense pockets of vegetation from Hurricane Michael will increase the intensity of wildfires.". All rights reserved. It wasn't immediately clear how many additional homes were impacted. As of 7 p.m., a fire that broke out at around two o'clock in the afternoon had grown to more than 200 acres and was 10% contained. All rights reserved. Two homes have been destroyed and at least 12 more have been damaged as firefighters battle a 1,400-acre blaze in Bay County, Florida. The fire is continuing to move northeast. Updated on: March 5, 2022 / 4:39 PM Around 1000 homes had been evacuated, according to the Florida Forest Service. Check out our event guide below: 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Fire In Bay County WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said an early morning fire in Zephyrhills on Tuesday was domestic-related arson. in Bay County Fireworks go off in the Vinoy Yacht Basin in St. Petersburg. Original story: "We're looking at high sustained winds," said Joe Zwierzchowski, with the Florida Forest Service during a Facebook live update on Sunday morning. Sale says more help has arrived in the county. When shes not reporting the news, she enjoys reading classic fiction and thrillers, hiking with members of the Florida Trail Association and doing yoga. At the news conference, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis recommended that evacuated homeowners contact their insurance companies since it will speed up the claims process should their homes be damaged or destroyed. "Unfortunately what we have going on today is almost a carbon copy of yesterday's weather." The area between the south of Highway 231 and the east side of Transmitter Road is under mandatory evacuation. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This helps your books find a new home, and you might get something cool in return. The latest news and how to stay informed. Take advantage of steep discounts on this household essential during Prime Day 2023. Video taken on Amanda Circle, off Pipeline Road. Brad Monroe, chief of Bay County Emergency Services, said at least two homes were lost on Whitehead Boulevard and as many as a dozen more had been damaged. Well continue to give updates as more information becomes available. The fire Several fires are still burning in Bay County, according to the sheriffs office. in Bay County Leonard Fournette, we are thankful that you were unharmed during this incident, Tampa Fire Rescue said. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Former Buccaneer Leonard Fournette said he is ok after his SUV caught on fire while he was driving Tuesday. Adkins Fire: Bay County orders evacuations as massive This is about 100 more TAMPA, Fla. Tampa Bay residents can prepare for another year of fireworks dancing across the night sky as 4th of July events get lined up for the holiday. In a 5 p.m. press conference at Hiland Park Baptist Church, county officials said there had been no reported injuries among citizens or first responders, however they said there is currently no estimate when the fire will be under control. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. PANAMA CITY, Fla. Residents of hundreds of Florida Panhandle homes were evacuated as a wildfire destroyed two houses and damaged 12 others in an area that has spent years recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Michael, officials said Saturday. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Panama City. More than 1,100 Bay County residents have been placed This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. fire Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Troopers said Fournette managed to make a controlled stop on the inside shoulder and escape. in newspaper online journalism and political science from Syracuse University. Bay Ron DeSantiss (R) office responded to the blaze with an emergency ban on burning trash. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for Bay County Friday night after the Division of Emergency Management requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA in response to the Adkins Road fire. [ BOYZELL HOSEY | Times ] This helps your books find a new home, and you might get something cool in return. That fire forced residents in the Bear Creek area to evacuate. So far, two homes have been destroyed by the wildfire. After a closure of northbound 79 due to the fire, authorities are now allowing traffic to move at a slow pace. "I'm looking forward to rain coming in Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to slow this thing down," he said. Bay County .org Fire Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. Currently 140 acres are on fire north of Steelfield Road and Highway 79, and as of 2:00 p.m., about 10% is contained. "It's raging very quickly.". 2023 www.newsherald.com. Reach her at tori.powell@viacomcbs.com, First published on March 4, 2022 / 7:05 PM. Webcontent Wildfire Information: Find current conditions by county, burn bans, and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida. Fireworks and festivities lined up for 4th July in Tampa Bay We don't need you in your homes. Bay FHP is also on-scene monitoring Highway 231 for smoke and low-visibility conditions. To point you in the right direction, weve researched the best deals retailers have to offer during this years 4th of July sales events. When the Star Avenue Fire began, crews moved from the Adkins Avenue Fire to the new blaze, according to local emergency management officials. Residents of the Clifford Chester Sims Veterans Administration Nursing Home, at 4419 Tram Rd. According to the Florida ForestService, firefighters reported the fire around 10 a.m., and dry, windy conditions caused the fire to growerratically. 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Current Wildfire Conditions - Florida Department of Agriculture We want to be prepared to let the public know that we have assets in place.". The 800-acre wildfire in Bay County Florida has prompted a state of emergency. Consider giving back to the community by building a book-sharing box. (Florida Forest Service via AP). Some of this years public fireworks displays are Boom by the Bay hosted by the city of Tampa on Saturday at the Julian B. The nursing home is in the Star Avenue Fire's mandatory evacuation zone. Florida Forest Service officials say the 250-acre fire is now 60% contained. New fire at Rebecca Road and McCormick in Southport is burning. They are, after all, commercially available explosives. It's now 12,000 acres, up from 9,000 acres on Sunday. 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