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By late afternoon on Wednesday, a wildfire in Hilliard had expanded to approximately 70 acres, with containment efforts successfully securing half of the affected area.
HILLIARD, Fla. — As reported by the Florida Forest Service, a wildfire emerged in Hilliard, reaching around 70 acres in size by Wednesday afternoon. At that time, firefighters had managed to contain about 50% of the blaze.
Temporary road closures were necessary as the fire prompted authorities to shut down Henry Smith Road and County Road 108. Fortunately, no buildings or homes were threatened by the flames.
Local resident James Strickland, who was outdoors for much of the day, described the scene as he observed dense smoke rising and detected the strong scent of burning pine.
“The smell of the pine burning is intense,” Strickland remarked. “The smoke has been quite dense behind our house.”
Strickland said he saw fire crews constantly moving through the area as they worked to contain the fire.
“I probably have seen them probably about three or 400 times today, right there,” he said.
Worried about embers reaching his home, Strickland said he took his own precautions.
“I’ve been spraying the roof down with water and stuff so if the embers come this way, it can’t catch our stuff on fire,” he said.
Across the neighborhood, another man who has lived in the area for about four years said the smoke was making it hard for some people to breathe.
“It’s smoky, I tell you what, it’s hard for older people to breathe. I tell you that, it’s crazy,” Nicholas Manc said.
Neighbors said the dry conditions have them on edge, with multiple recent brush fires reported in Northeast Florida.
“With the weather being like it is, you figure when that sun hits, we all know, we live in Florida, it’s hot,” Manc said. “When it does, it dries the grass out quick.”
Both neighbors said they are grateful for firefighters’ efforts and are hoping for rain to help put an end to the fire.
“I’m hoping they get this one under control, Strickland said. “I’m hoping it starts raining, tell you the truth. Hopefully, they get it contained. Nobody’s houses get caught on fire.”