Published: November 07, 2009 10:28 am      

35-acre Suwannee County fire contained

Firefighters from the Live Oak Forestry Center of the Florida Division of Forestry on Friday contained a 35-acre fire in planted pines in Suwannee County.

Three tractor-plows ran fire lines to contain the fire, which was located west of CR 795 near Interstate 10. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they estimated the fire to be about 20 acres in size, but changing winds caused the fire to spread by the time of containment. The primary fuel was dead pine needles, which firefighters said burn hot and spread quickly. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The Rangers on the ground were supported by a Division of Forestry fixed-wing aircraft providing fire intelligence and giving valuable direction to the firefighters. Additional support was provided by Suwannee County Fire Rescue and the Suwannee County Volunteer Fire Department. The Florida Highway Patrol was on scene on I-10 and erected smoke hazard signs to warn drivers of the possible visibility problems.

Although low humidity and favorable dispersion factors will reduce the probability of smoke on the highway tonight, the Florida Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to be aware of the possibility of limited visibility when traveling through the area.

According to Glenn Davis, Operations Administrator of the Suwannee Forestry Center, the lack of rain, low humidity and gusty winds of the past several days has increased the threat of wildfire in our area.

"Although this isn't considered our prime wildfire season, everyone should still be very careful when conditions are as dry as they have been lately," Davis said.