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By late Wednesday afternoon, a wildfire in Hilliard, Florida had expanded to approximately 70 acres, with containment efforts successfully reaching 50%. This update from the Florida Forest Service came just before 5 p.m., offering a glimpse of cautious optimism amidst the smoky landscape.
The blaze prompted temporary closures of Henry Smith Road and County Road 108, though fortunately, no buildings were reported damaged. Residents and local authorities remain on alert as firefighters continue their efforts to fully control the situation.
Among those witnessing the unfolding events was James Strickland, a nearby resident who had been outdoors for several hours. He described the intense smoke and the unmistakable, pungent scent of burning pine permeating the air. “The smell of the fat lighter from the pine is overwhelming,” Strickland remarked. “The smoke has been quite dense behind my house.”
Strickland noted the persistent activity of fire crews, who tirelessly navigated the area to contain the flames and protect the community. Their presence offered some reassurance to residents concerned about the wildfire’s potential impact.
“You can smell the fat lighter from the pine burning, and it’s crazy,” Strickland said. “It’s been pretty thick smoke back that way behind the house.”
Strickland said he saw fire crews constantly moving through the area as they worked to contain the fire.
“I probably have seen them probably about three or 400 times today, right there,” he said.
Worried about embers reaching his home, Strickland said he took his own precautions.
“I’ve been spraying the roof down with water and stuff so if the embers come this way, it can’t catch our stuff on fire,” he said.
Across the neighborhood, another man who has lived in the area for about four years said the smoke was making it hard for some people to breathe.
“It’s smoky, I tell you what, it’s hard for older people to breathe. I tell you that, it’s crazy,” Nicholas Manc said.
Neighbors said the dry conditions have them on edge, with multiple recent brush fires reported in Northeast Florida.
“With the weather being like it is, you figure when that sun hits, we all know, we live in Florida, it’s hot,” Manc said. “When it does, it dries the grass out quick.”
Both neighbors said they are grateful for firefighters’ efforts and are hoping for rain to help put an end to the fire.
“I’m hoping they get this one under control, Strickland said. “I’m hoping it starts raining, tell you the truth. Hopefully, they get it contained. Nobody’s houses get caught on fire.”
