MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- The West Mims Fire continues to burn in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
It's more than 21-thousand acres and three percent contained. A plane tried to dump fire retardant, but had a malfunction and dropped the reddish-colored substance in an area close to the east side of Lake City close to the airport. The forestry service says free car washes for those impacted.
Just recently there was one in Franklin County that the sheriff told us was started by someone burning leaves.
In Gadsden County, the Midway Volunteer Fire Chief was in our studio this afternoon and took an opportunity to talk about just how easy fires can start.
"We had maybe about 3 fires last year that started to catch someone's neighbors homes on fire. We were able to stop the neighbors' homes from burning down all except for one I believe but for the most part. They all started by a small brush fire the kids were playing around the trash pile with a stick and it took a tiny ember and set a whole field on fire", said Fire Chief Jerry Flanders.
Chief Flanders asks you to contact your forestry service or check local ordinance for information on burning. Keep tall grass cut and underbrush cleaned up around your home.
