Clay County Brush Fire Nearly Extinguished | News

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- The Clay County Fire Rescue Department is close to having a brush fire extinguished that had originally posed a potential threat to homes.

The fire started on Candlewood Court, off of County Road 218 West, according to information from Clay County Fire Rescue Captain Bernita Bush.

It broke out around 1:30 Monday afternoon and its origin is still unknown, Bush said.

When rescue crews got to the brush fire they found it was fast moving and posed a potential threat to homes.

The Florida Forest Service used four tractors to plow lines around the fire, said Annaleasa Winter with FFS.

Bush said a CodeRED emergency notification was sent to residents in the immediate vicinity of the fire and to homes on surrounding streets which may be affected by either smoke or flames.  That notification was later cancelled.

Bush said with the heightened fire danger and high winds being experienced, fire officials caution residents against outdoor burning or careless disposal of cigarettes or other burning objects.

There is currently no burn ban in Clay County.  Officials asked that the public stop all outdoor burning of any type.  Fire officials are also asking that extreme caution be used when utilizing grills or other outdoor cooking devices.