Columbia County

‘Uncontrolled brush fire’ in Lake City appears to be contained, Columbia County authorities say

LAKE CITY, Fla. — UPDATE, 5:10 p.m.: The Columbia County Fire Rescue tells the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office that the fire appears to be contained at this time.

No further evacuations have been done. There will still be a large presence of fire personnel in the area as units continue to extinguish hot spots. Heavy smoke may be an issue in the area through Friday, so please use caution while driving and avoid the area if possible.

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Original story below:

Fire crews are responding to an “uncontrolled brush fire” in Lake City, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

CCSO said on its Facebook page that the fire began along SW Packard Street and it is moving in a northeasterly direction.

Florida Forest Service said the fire is 44 acres and it is contained.

The fire was not a prescribed burn and at this time, the cause is not known, FFS said.

SW Packard Street is between State Road 47 and U.S. 41.

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Deputies are assisting in evacuating homes that may be in the path of the fire.

The First Alert Weather Team said it is not likely the fire was started by lightning, and there are windy conditions in the area.

CCSO said people should avoid the area at this time.

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