Florida Firefighters Continue Battling Wildfires

May 17, 2006
Crews from the Putnam County Fire Department and the Department of Forestry recently fought a 250-acre woods fire

Crews from the Putnam County Fire Department and the Department of Forestry fought a 250-acre woods fire Monday evening south of Welaka that forced dozens people from their homes.

The fire in the Georgetown area along county Road 309 was 100 percent contained but still burning Tuesday morning.

No houses have been damaged, but about 150 people were under a voluntary evacuation Monday afternoon. Some people who went to a shelter had to move again when that shelter was threatened by the fast-moving fire.

Of Putnam County's 18 fire stations, crews from nine were involved in the effort to get the blaze under control. Fire crews from other counties were manning Putnam's stations.

Two helicopters and seven tractors also helped fight the blaze Monday, and at least some of those resources were returning to the effort at first light Tuesday.

More than 30 sheriff's deputies helped with evacuations and traffic control.

Related Story: Volusia Homes Evacuated After Brush Fire Jumps I-95

Copyright 2006 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!