BY JENN SAMSEL
Jenn@BcTelegraph.com
A brush fire prompted evacuations for residents in the north end of Keystone Heights.
The fire started in the Bondarenko Court area on Saturday, March 21, at 1:50 p.m. Multiple units from Clay County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service were deployed to fight the blaze.
Due to the dry conditions, the fire spread rapidly, prompting the Florida Forestry Service to request air support. A helicopter and a plane were dispatched to help contain the fire.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a few homes were evacuated, but no one was in immediate danger.
The CCSO also urged anyone in the Belmore State Forest to evacuate immediately.
“If you are in the Belmore State Forest, please evacuate the area. If you know anyone who is in the Belmore State Forest, please reach out to them and tell them to evacuate.”
Residents were able to return home around 8:00 p.m.
According to the Florida Forest Service, 366 acres were burned, and the fire is now 95% contained. No injuries or property damage were reported.
At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.
