15 buildings destroyed after book burning sparks wildfire
Digital Reporter
Thursday, March 23, 2017, 11:23 AM - About 15 structures have been burned or badly damaged in Florida's Nassau County, in a wildfire authorities say was sparked by burning books.
Some 150 people were forced to flee the flames, which began Wednesday and grew to encompass around 160 hectares by the evening due to gusty winds. The blaze was 65 per cent contained as of Thursday morning, due to the efforts of 200 firefighters and 17 pieces of equipment.
News4Jax reports several firefighters suffered minor injuries, and the operator of one forestry tractor was forced to flee when the flames overtook the vehicle, though the man was unharmed.
The Florida Forest Service said the fire was sparked by a homeowner burning paperback books, and the service reminded the public that burning household waste is illegal in Florida.
Large fast moving wildfire off CR 119 in Nassau county 10 structures lost and 20 forestry bulldozers plowing firelines @FFS_Jax pic.twitter.com/l0OunzDM0s
— FL Forest Service (@FLForestService) March 22, 2017
News4Jax reports the man was cited for that violation, and will be billed for the firefighting costs, and could also be liable to be sued by residents who lost their homes.
As for the evacuees, authorities have offered no timetable for their return, as the fire damaged infrastructure in the area, including power lines.
"Once we get those preliminary damage assessments completed, then we'll try to make a determination of when we can let people back into their homes," Nassau County Fire Battalion Chief Mike Eddins told media.
SOURCE: News4Jax