Osceola National Forest Wildfires 2019

Osceola National Forest Fire Update

Phone: (386) 243-0301

Email: OsceolaFireUpdates@gmail.com

Twitter: @NFinFlorida

Facebook: @NationalForestsinFlorida

U.S. Forest Service

National Forests in Florida

325 John Knox Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303

http://www.fs.usda.gov/florida

Osceola National Forest Fire Update

SANDERSON, Fla.,May 30, 2019 – Due to ongoing dry, hot weather, the Osceola National Forest is experiencing several wildfires. Updates to the fires will be provided daily until the situation changes.

If you plan to visit the Osceola National Forest, please take the following precautions:

• Make sure your campfire is completely out. Dispose of wood ash properly. Don’t dump ashes on the ground.

• Ensure chainsaws, off-highway vehicles and motorcycles have spark arrestors.

• Don’t smoke near vegetation. Never throw cigarettes out of car windows.

• Don’t park or drive your vehicle on dry grass.

• Follow state or local restrictions on burning, using fireworks and building campfires.

  For more information on wildfire prevention, visit www.smokeybear.com or www.firewise.org.

  Air Quality: Smoke from the fires has the potential to impair air quality. Conditions may change quickly, based on weather, wind direction and fire activity. Sensitive groups including individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. If you think you are having health effects from smoke, see your doctor or health professional as needed. Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas. For information on air quality in your area, visit www.airnow.gov.

  Little Frog Fire, Columbia County FL

Acres

20

Containment

80%

Cause

Lightning

Date started

May 26, 2019

Evacuations

None

Closures

None

Summary

The fire is north of Forest Service Road 250 near the northwest boundary of the forest. No homes or structures have been damaged or lost.

Community Meetings

None

- MORE-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

2-2-2-2 – Osceola National Forest Fire Update

Deep Creek Fire, Columbia County FL

Acres

183

Containment

60%

Cause

Lightning

Date Started

May 29, 2019

Evacuations

None

Closures

None

Summary

The fire is in the central west section of the forest, east of U.S. Highway 441. No homes or structures have been damaged or lost.

Community Meetings

None

Smith Still Fire, Columbia County FL

Acres

220

Containment

70%

Cause

Lightning

Date Started

May 29, 2019

Evacuations

None

Closures

None

Summary

The fire is approximately 1.5 miles southeast of the Deep Creek Fire. No homes or structures have been damaged or lost.

Community Meetings

None

Little Gum Fire, Columbia County FL

Acres

4

Containment

100%

Cause

Lightning

Date Started

May 29, 2019

Evacuations

None

Closures

None

Summary

The fire is northwest of Ocean Pond and just south of Interstate 10. No homes or structures have been damaged or lost.

Community Meetings

None

-USDA-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

@NFinFlorida @NationalForestsinFlorida