Chipola Complex evening update – Wednesday, March 9

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Florida Forest Service (FFS) Blue Incident Management Team announced that the Chipola Complex, which encompasses three wildfires, received a good amount of rainfall today. Wildland firefighters established containment lines in areas not previously accessible due to extreme fire behavior.

The weather forecast calls for increased rainfall through tomorrow morning before tapering off. While the rain being seen now is good, increased winds and low humidity are expected this weekend, which means the wildfire threat remains, and residents should remain cautious.

Bertha Swamp Road Fire:

The Bertha Swamp Road Fire is estimated at over 33,000 acres, and containment is now 20%.

The Bertha Swamp Road Fire originated in Gulf County and has spread into Calhoun and Bay counties.

A strike team of heavy bulldozers continues to establish and improve containment lines focusing on defensible space around communities.

Adkins Avenue Fire:

The Adkins Avenue Fire is 875 acres and is now 85% contained. Reduced fire behavior allowed firefighters to improve containment over the last several days.

Star Ave Fire:

The Star Ave Fire is estimated at 197 acres and is now 95% contained. Reduced fire behavior allowed firefighters to improve containment over the last several days.

There are over 90 wildfires burning nearly 37,000 acres throughout Florida. Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters and resources from numerous fire and emergency service departments are working around the clock to help suppression efforts.