Created: 5/12/2007 11:04:04 AM 
Updates on the wildfires affecting south Georgia and north Florida.
Columbia County
Several accidents have occurred on Interstate 10 and Interstate 75. Area roads are near zero visibility. Please do not drive unless it is critically necessary. Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 are in the process of being closed in the Columbia County area. Fire threatening to close portions of I-10. Fire officials monitoring amount of smoke closing in on the interstate. Visibility along interstate was down to about a quarter of a mile. Schools in area closed Friday More than 570 homes have been evacuated. No homes have been destroyed. US441 is closed near I-10 and the Georgia border The fire has slowed and stalled Saturday morning about half a dozen miles north of Interstate 10. It is still about 83,000 acres and only 10% contained. The Red Cross has opened a new shelter to help the displaced families. The Winfield Community Center, 205 Chambria Way, is open on US Highway 1 in Lake City. Citizens information hotline (386)719-7530.Baker County
The Red Cross has closed its shelters in Baker County Most of the families in the town of Taylor have been told they can go home for now.Bradford County
Firefighters have made a lot of progress in Bradford County. People are back in their homes and all of the roads have been reopened. Madison Street Baptist is open in Starke for displaced families in Bradford County. An additional shelter has been opened for those unable to reach Madison Street Baptist due to road closures. The shelter is at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Interlachen located at 377 County Road 315 SouthClay County
Clay County Fire Rescue contained fires near Keystone Heights Burn ban extended through May 15thSouth Georgia
South Georgia fire that spread into North Florida has consumed over 179,000 acres -- 101,290 in Georgia and 78,650 in north Florida Over 116,480 acres have burned in Okefenokee swamp For general information concerning the South Georgia wildfires, call the 24-hour hotline at (912)287-4467. Information on the wildfires and shelters in Charlton County: (912)496-3687Evacuated Homeowner Tips
Homeowners who evacuate should take their home insurance information with them and contact their insurance agent. Keep any receipts of expenses incurred because you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company. Pets MedicationRelated articles:
Wildfires Update - May 11, 2007 Evacuees Take Cover in Columbia County 179,000 Acre Fire Threatens I-10 and Homes near Lake City Wildfires Update - May 10, 2007 Bradford County Evacuees Return Home Wildfire Forces Evacuations after Jumping Baker County Line Flareups Keep Evacuees in Taylor Out Another Night Footprint Leads Investigators to Young Arson Suspects Firefighters Making Progress on 15,600 Acre Fire in Bradford County Andrea Not Helpful to Wildfire Fight ©2009 First Coast News . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
