Mobile home gutted by fire
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
No one really expects a “White Christmas” in Bradford County, but recent temperatures have rivaled historic lows, according to the National Weather Service In Jacksonville.
A “very cold air mass” moving across the southeast was responsible for the temperature drops. The drop was already happening on Friday afternoon, with the 30s falling to the 20s, and wind chill falling into the teens. Warnings of hard freeze went out, and the breeziness turned wind chill into bone chill.
Forecasted highs were in the 30s or 40s over the weekend, but even as that climbed on Monday and Tuesday, the lows remained in the mid to late 20s. A low of 32 degrees and high of 64 degrees were predicted for Wednesday. By the time rain arrives this weekend the lows should be in the low to mid 60s.
People are reminded during these cold spells of dangers to themselves, their pets and livestock, as well as the problems chat can occur with crops, plants and pipes.
Fire risk also increases as people struggle to stay warm, particularly around Christmas with trees and other drying foliage adding fuel to potential fires. Low humidity can also contribute to wildfires.
Tragically, a mobile home on Northeast Seventh Avenue north of Lawtey was destroyed on Monday. Chief Ben Carter called it a total loss, resulting from space heater plugged into a faulty outlet.
Suwannee River Economic Council has information about it services including energy assistance at www.srecinc.org. In Bradford, you may call 904-964-6696. In Union, the number is 386-496-2342.
