Florida Forest Fires Facts and Figures: Here’s what you need to know

Jeff Jones

BAY COUNTY, FL – The Bertha Swap Road Fire has burned across 12,000 acres in Bay County and according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office is now 20% contained. 

The following data was released this morning by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office:

 The Florida Forest Service has heavy equipment on the ground, including 850L dozers that are focusing on establishing fire lines around the Bear Creek community. Aerial water operations will continue today.


The Adkins Road Fire is approximately 841 acres and 40% contained. Bulldozers are also on the ground in this area working on containment lines.

The  Star Avenue Fire is approximately 250 acres and 45% contained. The Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home was safely evacuated yesterday. The Florida Forest Service is working to widen fire containment lines around this fire.

The Mandatory Evacuation areas remain the same and are defined as:
– Area between Transmitter Rd. and Star Ave. and south of Hwy 231 to U.S. 98 (Tyndall Pkwy.)
– Bear Creek, area south of Scotts Ferry Rd. and east of Hwy 231.

The Bay County Fairgrounds has been established as a shelter for evacuees and their pets.

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