Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Press Release:

TAYLOR COUNTY, FL –

On Sunday evening, personnel from the Florida Division of Forestry, Foley Timber and Lands, Taylor County Fire Department and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 65 acre wildfire off of Puckett Road approximately two miles north of Martin Electronics Inc.

Upon investigation, DOF and Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement found that two trees had been struck by lightning, indicating the cause and origin of the 65 acre wildfire. One structure and two outbuildings were destroyed by the fire.

Another structure was threatened but not damaged. The wildfire continues to smolder, and DOF crews continue to monitor the burned area. Motorists traveling in the area should use caution for the next few days.

It is important to remember that wildfire can affect a community at any time without warning, so be ready and prepare your home now. A 30 foot zone of ‘lean, clean, and green’ defensible space around your home could prevent the destruction associated with wildfire. There are many steps a homeowner can take to increase their safety and reduce the risk of loss or damage to their property including:

q Remove flammable debris such as pine straw and dead leaves off of the roof and out of gutters

q Do not let debris accumulate underneath structures

q Mow tall grasses and rake leaves and pine straw away from your home

q Regularly prune shrubbery to remove excess growth and dead branches

q Prune tree limbs 6- 10 feet off the ground and remove climbing vines

q Dispose of yard clipping promptly and legally