ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A mulch fire that has been burning for two weeks at a recycling business in St. Johns County created an opportunity for thieves, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
The owner of North Oak Recycling on Dobbs Road, just off State Road 312, told deputies that he has been leaving the gate to his property open at the request of firefighters, who have come out several times to douse the smoldering fire that started earlier this month.
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The owner said it appears someone took advantage of the open gate, because $31,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the property.
Firefighters said crews have extinguished the fire several times, but it comes back to life.
When it initially ignited, three engines and a plane poured water on the fire after St. Johns County Fire-Rescue crews reported flames towering 50 feet in the air.