Share and Follow
Evacuation mandates for Noah Davis and Butcher Road in Baker County are set to lift by 7 p.m.
BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE 6:41 P.M.
The Florida Highway Patrol has identified that the fire likely originated near US-90 and Cowpen Road. This was potentially due to a stray ember carried by northerly winds from a smaller blaze along I-10. In response, FHP has installed warning signs about smoke on both I-10 and US-90 to alert drivers.
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that residents who had to evacuate can safely return to their homes starting at 7 p.m.
“We urge everyone to remain cautious of ongoing operations involving heavy machinery and to watch out for any lingering hot spots,” the sheriff’s office advises.
An area of Baker County west of Glen St. Mary is under a mandatory evacuation order after a wildfire quickly spread Wednesday afternoon, according to Baker County Fire Rescue.
What was once a five-acre fire by I-10 West grew to more than 100 acres due to wind gusts and the presence of heavy brush, the department said. Smoke is visible from I-10 West, so drivers should be cautious around mile marker 329.
An evacuation order was issued for the areas of Noah Davis Drive and Butcher Road.
No structures had burned as of a 4 p.m. update from fire rescue. The Macclenny Fire Department and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department crews are also on scene helping to protect homes in the fire’s path.
“There will be heavy smoke in the area and with continued weather conditions throughout the evening of heavy wind gusts please be aware of conditions,” the fire department said.