WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The Olive Fire in western Putnam County is entering its fifth week and gusty winds and low humidity are continuing to fan the flames. Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Ludie Bond says the fire now encompasses over 800 acres of land just over the Alachua County border. The fire is sending hazy conditions to roadways adjacent to the Levy Prairie.
[audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/ludieBond2.mp3]The smoke has caused problems along State Roads 20 and 21and the Badon Powell road around Melrose, Hawthorne and Interlachen. Bond says although there is rain forecast for this weekend, it is not expected to really help extinguish the fire.
[audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/ludieBond5.mp3]She says fire crews are on scene and will continue to work to contain the fire.
