St. Johns County fire believed to be suspicious is 85 percent contained

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A wildfire in St. Johns County that was burning out of control on Wednesday is about 85 percent contained Thursday morning.

Residents near US 1, south of County Road 210, had to be evacuated but were allowed back into their homes Wednesday night.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue crews continue to work on fighting the fire, which they say has burned at least 140 acres.

The fire is in a rural, mostly wooded area of Stratton Road and Pine Island, near US 1 North. It threatened at least six homes, and authorities said nearly a dozen old cars and utility trailers that were buried in the woods were destroyed.

A family's storage shed caught fire, and the ATV and lawnmower inside were ruined. The flames never reached the family's home.

"Back in the woods, it was probably 100 yards back and within 10 minutes it was in our front yard," said resident Michael Pool. "I got my kids and loaded them in the car and left."

Pool also grabbed the family's dog.

"Fire went right around us. Came right at us and then went around us. It's all God's work," Pool said.

None of the homes in the area sustained significant damage.

Fire officials said they believe that the fire is suspicious, but haven’t said how it might have started.

"This could've cost five different families their houses out here," Pool said. "And their lives. Ignorant. Ignorant."

Cox Media Group