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In an unexpected twist of events, the Hilliard Little League found its games postponed due to smoke and the setup of a staging area, yet their community spirit shone through as volunteers stepped up to provide meals for the first responders.
HILLIARD, Fla. — The fight against an extensive blaze in Nassau County continues as crews confront a formidable 500-acre fire in Hilliard. This fire, known as the Conner-Nelson Road fire, was reported to be 40% contained by Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, the firefighting teams are also contending with another blaze at Buford Bay, which has expanded to 100 acres and was merely 3% contained by 3:35 p.m. on Saturday.
In response to these fires, the local little league fields in Hilliard have been repurposed as a crucial staging area for the dedicated first responders actively working to control the situation.
The little league fields in Hilliard served as a staging area for first responders.
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In between all the fire trucks and forest service trucks stood a series of tables, piled high with food for the first responders.
“We were supposed to have some games, but do to this being a staging center, we figured it was best to cancel the games,” said Hilliard Little League President John Brown. “Also, we were worried with the smoke and stuff like that.”
Brown said volunteers were ready for a Saturday of baseball, so instead of getting food and drinks ready for little leaguers, they did it for first responders.
“One of our really involved board members Stephen Smith and his wife Katie suggested cooking lunch,” said Brown. “They cooked hot dogs and all. It kind of led in to doing dinner spaghetti dinner with banana pudding.”
First responders fighting the two nearby fires swung by covered in soot – some grabbing just snacks or sports drinks, while others stuck around to enjoy a full meal.
The grills aren’t done yet.
“We’ve got enough that we’ll be back to cook breakfast and lunch for them tomorrow,” said Brown.
“Without the community’s support, it makes things a little bit difficult,” said Florida Forest Service Public Information Officer Rob Chase. “To see the community come out here to help support us with the gratitude of a small meal and waters is greatly appreciated.”
Chase said they had nine tractor plows working with a helicopter flying overhead.
“[Firefighters are] working hot spots and improving the fire break lines,” said Chase.
Brown will have the breakfast sandwiches waiting for the morning crew.
“They’re out there risking their lives to save the community so we can help them and give back,” said Brown.
Brown said their next games are Tuesday night, so they’re hoping to get the ballplayers back on the fields then.
Chase said he doesn’t want to predict the future, but he’s hoping they can make that happen.