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Florida wildfire forces evacuation of 600 homes

By AP News Staff
Published  March 5, 2022 12:13pm EST
Florida
Associated Press

DeSantis presser on Florida wildfires

A wildfire in the Panhandle has destroyed two houses and damaged 12 others, and forced the evacuation of 600 homes.

SPRINGFIELD, Fla. - Residents in 600 homes in the Florida Panhandle have been evacuated as a wildfire destroyed two houses and damaged 12 others, in an area that has spent the past three years recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Michael. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Saturday that hundreds of thousands of acres of downed trees from the 2018 hurricane, along with low humidity and strong winds, have created "the perfect storm" for the hazardous fire conditions around Panama City, Florida. 

As of Saturday morning, the 1,400-acre Adkins Avenue Fire was 30% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Courtesy: Walton County Fire Rescue

There is no timeline for when residents will be allowed to return home.

According to the Florida Forest Service, fire danger levels are elevated statewide. There are currently 143 active wildfires burning approximately 4,700 acres across Florida, including the 1,600-acre Bertha Swamp Fire in Gulf County. It is important for residents to use extreme caution and remain aware of current wildfires.