UPDATE: Evacuation order lifted in Western Nassau from wildfire

Bryceville, FL — Update at 7:19 am Friday: The fire is now 75% contained.

Update at 3:21 pm Thursday: Nassau County Emergency Management lifting evacuation orders in the Bryceville area.

Update at 1:30pm Thursday:  Florida Forestry officials say the fire is 65% contained and is now 696-acres.  Nassau County Emergency Management says it will spend the afternoon assessing the cost of the property loss.  A preliminary assessment finds two structures were destroyed, six were damaged, and 19 accessory buildings were either destroyed or severely impacted.

Nassau County Emergency Management says the official emergency shelters  set up for evacuees is the Bryceville Baptist Church at 7732 US Hwy 301 and at the First Baptist Church in Callahan. The American Red Cross is cooperating with that shelter. At a briefing early Thursday, officials said 150 people have been affected because of evacuations.

The Florida Highway Patrol says two other shelters have been established- one at Gray Gables Church, 54031 Church Road and one at Callahan First Baptist Church, 45090 Green Avenue.

As of 7:15am Thursday the 400-acre fire was 65% contained,  according to the Florida Forest Service.

Shifting winds drove the fire, which the Florida Forest Service for the District says is more than 400 acres around CR 119, CR 121, and Countryside Acres.  The evacuations will remain in effect until the fire is completely contained.

The Florida Forest Service Jacksonville says the fire started with someone burning paperback books, and that it is illegal to burn household garbage in Florida.  Our partner Action News Jax reports the landowner will be held responsible.

Nassau County Firefighters, the Florida Forest Service, and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue are all working the scene.

Facilities have been taking in animals from anyone who had to evacuate. All Paws Boarding at 8356 US Hwy 301 is sheltering dogs and cats. You’re asked to bring a crate and vaccination history if you can. The Walker Quarter Horse Farm at 14452 Normandy Blvd is taking in horses for free, but request owners bring feed, hay, and supplies.

Have you downloaded the FLBurnTools app yet? Find out fire conditions or if an outdoor fire is permitted https://t.co/RqrJMlFXNQ

🔥— NassauEM (@NassauEM)