Evacuation order lifted in Bradford County as crews continue battling wildfire

BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – An evacuation order was lifted Tuesday evening after a large brush fire near Southwest County Road 231 and Southwest 136th Avenue prompted residents to leave their homes, according to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.

Homes along Deden Loop between Southwest 136th Avenue and Southwest 147th Avenue were directed to evacuate as winds pushed the fire, the sheriff’s office said. But according to an 8:15 p.n. update, residents could return to their homes as the orders were lifted.

SW CR 231 remains closed to non-residential traffic.

Around 6 p.m., Florida Forest Service reported that the fire had reached 170 acres.

Officials warn that smoky conditions may persist through the night and to remain vigilant to changing conditions.