Florida man burns books, starts 600-acre wildfire

A 696-acre wildfire in Nassau County is 65 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service on Thursday.

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Firefighters have been working since Wednesday on a wildfire in Bryceville, Florida, that was accidentally started by someone illegally burning paperback books, officials said.

Officials said two homes were destroyed as well as sheds and vehicles. Ten homes were reported as having some damage.

The Florida Forest Service said they identified the person who started the fire and that person will be financially responsible for damages.

There might be some challenges in extinguishing the fire since strong winds are expected Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Firefighters said that 150 people are displaced and an evacuation order is still in place. A shelter is open at Bryceville Baptist Church for anyone who was displaced by the fire.

The Florida Forest Service said this is the worst massive wildfire for the county since 1998.

Firefighters were working early Thursday morning to contain the fire along the eastern edges of the fire line. The fire department has been putting out hot spots around houses.

Officials said the area is not safe for residents since a lot of power lines have been damaged during the fire.

Road closures are in effect at several locations.

Crews from Georgia arrived to assist local firefighters on Thursday.

The fairgrounds are open for residents who need to shelter livestock and animals.

Cox Media Group