EVENING UPDATE ON LOCAL WILDFIRES… “Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters crews are observing an increase in active fire behavior today due to the increase in wind speeds and wind gusts. Winds are prevailing from the south/southwest at 13-18 mph gusting up to 25 mph which has increased fire activity on the north/northeast perimeter of fires. The 5 Mile Swamp Fire which is still ~2,180 acres and 35% contained. The Hurst Hammock Fire near Beulah northwest of Pensacola is ~1100 acres and 40% contained.” This is the latest information from Florida Forest Service – Blackwater Forestry Center
INTERSTATE 10 NOW OPEN… Interstate 10 is now completely open with both the eastbound and westbound lanes returning to service. The stretch of I-10 from Exit 22 (Avalon Boulevard) to Exit 31 (FL87) is now open.
EVACUATION ORDERS MODIFIED… From Santa Rosa County Emergency Management: “Everything on Garcon Point Road east to the Blackwater Bay from I-10 south to Mary Kitchens Road including Garcon Point Road. This area reopens at a Level 2 evacuation order meaning residents must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Law enforcement check points will be in place at Garcon Point at I-10 and Avalon Blvd. as well as Garcon Point at Robinson Point Road. Residents must show a photo ID (preferably a driver’s license with an address matching the residence).”
The photo above is of the Five Mile Swamp Fire from Blackwater Bay from Mackenzie Leigh Sconyers.