PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – Fire crews worked Sunday to contain two brush fires that broke out north of Grandin in Putnam County that may have started by a lawnmower, the Florida Forestry Service said.
When fire crews arrived, the "Boggy Creek 1" fire had burned 40 to 50 acres of the 100-acre property along Goodson Prairie Road. By the afternoon, the fire had spread to 85-acres.
Officials said they believe the fire was started by someone using their lawnmower but have not confirmed it.
Forestry officials said they called in a helicopter shortly after arriving to douse the fire to prevent it from threatening a nearby structure.
A separate, 3-acre spot fire, called "Boggy Creek 2," broke out later in the day.
Both fires are 90 percent contained, officials said.
There are multiple homes within 50 feet of the fire. While fire crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearly all nearby structures, one structure may have been damaged, officials said.
Fire crews told News4Jax that although homes are nearby, no evacuations were necessary.
A woman who owns 10.6 acres of the prairie told News4Jax that fire crews saved her home.
“The Melrose Fire Department saved my house by about 10 feet today,” Darla Harmon Moody said. “They had to buy me a new pool, but they saved my house.”
Forestry officials are advising people not to burn anything outdoors at this time. They’re also advising people not to light fireworks, or ride ATVs while in the dry brush, as it could start a fire.
Although there's no burn ban in effect for the area, officials are asking that people use their best judgment as conditions remain dry.