People burning trash cause brush fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department a five acre brush fire on the Westside was caused by people burning household trash.

The fire spread in a matter of minutes toward a wooded area behind homes on Maple Avenue.

Fire crews managed to contain the flames before they threatened any homes or property.

"There were a couple of pick-up trucks that are on the far fence line but we stopped it before it got to the fence line," said Chief Darin Hooten, JFRD.

The Division of Forestry plowed a fire line around the blaze to help firefighters contain the flames.

According to fire officials this is the perfect example of just how fast a fire can spread in dry conditions.

"Even though it may be cold outside the ground is dry and crispy so anytime a burning like the residents here did, it can cause some serious problems," said Chief Hooten.

The Division of Forestry has served the homeowner with a notice of violation for illegal land burning.