- March 27, 2024
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The following is adapted from a county release:
The Espanola Fire, the largest wildfire sparked in Flagler County in the early summer, is officially out, according to the Florida Forestry Service.
The department declared the 5,136-acre wildfire out last week, just shy of three months after it started on May 30. Burning underground, deep into the dried organic material beneath the Big Cypress Swamp in western Flagler, the fire has until recently been “contained,” and under watch.
Florida Forest Service District Manager Mike Kuypers said it was likely a combination of rainfall dousing the fire and the fire running out of fuel. The area has recently received nearly 1.5 inches of rainfall.
Flagler County and the Florida Forest Service are still dealing with a number of small fires. There are six in Flagler County, including one that was reported Tuesday evening off State Road 11 that burned 14 acres. There are five more, with the largest being 18 acres in the Relay Wildlife Management Area.
Flagler County Fire/Rescue Chief Don Petito said each new thunderstorm brings much needed rain, but also more lightning, which causes more fires.