Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
The community rallied together as 600 acres burn in three Hilliard wildfires.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners officially placed Nassau County under a burn ban April 15. Two days later, three wildfires caught fire in Hilliard.
The Florida Forest Service was dispatched to a fire at 27305 Murrhee Road, which only burned 7 acre and 98% contained as the Record went to press Tuesday.
The FFS was also dispatched to a fire near 27479 Conner-Nelson Road Friday. Due to drought and wind, the fire quickly grew, burning 500 acres by early Saturday morning. According to the FFS fire response website, the fire size was still at 500 acres and 80% contained.
What the FFS calls the “Buford Bay Fire” near Georgia Street burned 100 acres and, as of Tuesday, was 80% contained.
The FFS is still investigating the cause of the fires, and a 30-by-30 barn was the only structure burned in the fire.
Hilliard and Callahan Volunteer fire departments have been on scene supporting FFS in fighting the fires. Nassau County Fire Rescue and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office personnel have also been heavily involved in keeping Hilliard safe during this time.
“We have a great partnership with the NCFR and Nassau County Sheriff Department up there,” FFS Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and Public Information Officer Robert Chase said.
Community members banded together to support the firefighters through food drives and many different donations.
“The community never ceases to amaze us,” Nassau County Communications Officer Sabrina Robertson said. “The workers have seen an outpouring of support from various businesses, churches, and community members.”
NCFR Chief Brady Rigdon seconded that statement, admiring the residents’ support.
“The Hilliard community has been phenomenal with their donations of food, water, and snacks,” he said.
According to the FFS fire response website, 116 wildfires are active currently in the State of Florida, with a total of 13,965.63 acres burned.
Hilliard Elementary School had to move student testing for kindergartners through second grade Tuesday morning due to poor air quality related to smoke from the wildfires. According to a social media post, an air filtration unit was brought into the cafeteria, masks were made available for students and staff, all PE classes and recess were moved indoors, and children who checked out of school due to the air quality will be excused.
According to Robertson, it’s very likely the burn ban will extend another seven days.
“Due to current dry conditions, a burn ban is in effect, and it is not optional. This ban is in place to protect lives, property, and our first responders. Even a small, controlled burn can quickly get out of hand and lead to devastating wildfires,” she said. “Residents are reminded that all outdoor burning is prohibited during this time. Violations of the burn ban may result in fines and other penalties. NCFR is already responding to an increased number of brush fires, many of which are preventable. Choosing to burn right now puts your neighbors, emergency personnel, and the entire community at risk.”
reporter@nassau
countyrecord.com