Bryceville fire 95% contained, forestry officials report

BRYCEVILLE, Fla. — Update: As of Sunday afternoon, the wildfire has been 95% contained.

Original: Fire crews are on day three of battling a blaze near Bryceville and are getting closer to containing the wildfire, which spans more than 1,000 acres.

A photo shared with Action News Jax by a forestry official portrayed the intensity of the wildfire that ignited in Nassau County Thursday.

It captured a firefighter working in front of a backdrop of gigantic flames.

“With the cold winter we had, with all the frost kill we had, you know, you go a few days without rain and the surface is ready to burn,” said Jacksonville Forest Area Supervisor Victor Taylor with the Florida Forest Service.

Taylor said the wildfire was about 85% contained Saturday afternoon.

He indicated a recent shift in the winds has worked in the crews’ favor by pushing the active flames back toward areas that have already burned.

A risk of thunderstorms and lightning throughout the day could threaten progress, but Taylor said he’s optimistic potential rain will work in the crews’ favor.

“If the rain comes, absolutely that’s going to be a blessing. It’s going to help us out a lot,” said Taylor.

While the cause of this fire is still being investigated, Taylor advised the public to be vigilant as we enter fire season.

“Be careful about where you’re burning. Make sure you got your stuff quite a ways from the woods, got some water there, and definitely don’t leave it unattended,” said Taylor.

Taylor said this fire currently poses little risk to the public and evacuations will not be necessary, and added he’s confident crews will be able to fully contain the blaze in the coming days.

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