FHP issues warning to drivers about brush fire

The Florida Highway Patrol on Monday issued a warning to drivers about the potential for lowered visibility in Duval County due to a wildfire.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said the brush fire is burning near John Turner Butler and Hodges boulevards.

“When I exited off JTB onto Hodges, I thought, 'Oh, that smells like a fire,’" noticed driver Debra Flewwellin.

According to the department crews worked to extinguish the flames over the weekend.

A viewer called the Action News Jax newsroom on Sunday about what appeared to be a brush fire burning in St. Augustine.

Action News Jax First Alert Meteorologist Arielle Nixon said, “We’re more than 8 inches ahead for rainfall for the year, but we had a little bit of a drier week last week. So, some of the grass and some of the brush could have been dried out a little bit.”

Nixon said lightning could also play a role.

According to the Jacksonville Association of Fire fighters Florida’s vegetation allows wildfires to spark even in wet conditions.

The association described extensive measures such as lighter jackets, rehab areas, and medical units, that are in place to keep crews safe.

Flewwellin said, “It’s scary for them because it’s almost unbearable already. I can’t imagine dealing with the fire on top of the heat.”

Cox Media Group