Crews have created a 65-foot contingency line near St. George to keep the West Mims wildfire away from the town.
On Sunday, the evacuation order was expanded to include the east side of Highway 121 and North Highway 94.
From his home, Marvin Roberts could clearly hear helicopters and crews fighting the wildfire. He lives in the area under mandatory evacuation, but Roberts told Action News Jax he’s staying put.
“It’s my home. I want to protect my home and my neighbors. That’s just the way I am,” Roberts said.
Crews have created this 65 ft contingency line outside of https://t.co/KnKmgQKtBB to keep the fire out of the town @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/SxArscH5NS
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) May 7, 2017
Charlton County began ordering evacuations in St. George on Saturday as the fire threatened 60 structures. The fire was sparked by a lighting strike.
On Sunday, volunteers dropped off water for crews as they battled the over 129,000-acre fire.
Fire officials are asking neighbors to leave for the safety of their officers.
“If they have to protect human lives first, which they will, then that takes them away from the job of putting out the fire,” Melanie Banton with Florida Forestry said.
RELATED: Charlton County schools closed Monday due to West Mims fire road closures
Roberts said he just can’t live his home. “It’ll burn that. Then I’ll take my dog Dixie Doodle. I’ll get on my tractor, then I’ll go. Other than that I ain’t going no where,” Roberts said.
Officers said they can’t force anyone to leave their homes.
Once residents leave, they won’t be allowed back into St. George until the evacuation order has been lifted.
We're starting to see heavy smoke again here in https://t.co/KnKmgQKtBB, GA @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/BU1eu10zeY
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) May 7, 2017
Florida Forestry tells me the fire has kicked up again @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/FET9bTgcp1
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) May 7, 2017
Cox Media Group
