Activation Status: Level III (Monitoring)

• Hotlines (Phone Numbers)
• News Releases

• Wildfire Prevention Tips

Latest Information

• The Lake County Emergency Operations Center downgraded to a level three monitoring on Thursday evening.
   
• The evacuation for Deerhaven residents has been lifted as of 1 p.m. Thursday.
   
• According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Tracy Fire is at 1,083 acres and 50 percent contained.
   
• According to the American Red Cross, 21 evacuees sheltered at the First Baptist Church of Paisley overnight. In addition, the American Red Cross fed 250 evacuees, support personnel and emergency responders last night as well as an additional 110 for breakfast this morning.

UPDATES FROM WEDNESDAY:
 

• Evacuated residents from the communities of Deerhaven Road were notified Wednesday by officials that due to concerns about fire containment and smoke, the safest place to spend the night was at a home of a friend or family member away from the wildfire, or at the American Red Cross provided shelter at the First Baptist Church of Paisley.
   
• The fire is holding at about 1,000 acres as the winds are beginning to die down. The Division of Forestry currently has 22 tractors on scene. The Lake County Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division, is also on scene. Officials continue to report no structural damage. There are no reports of containment percentages as crews continue to strengthen fire lines.
   
• Units from the Florida Division of Forestry Bunnell and Withlacoochee field units are working to contain the wildfire in northeast Lake County. The Division of Forestry also has two air tankers spreading fire retardant and several helicopters with water buckets on scene.
   
• At one time, 25 units and 60 personnel from the fire departments of Lake County, Volusia County, Tavares, Mount Dora, Minneola and Eustis were on scene.
   
• Lake County Animal Services Division is on scene assisting residents with pet sheltering.
   
• At approximately 600 acres in size as of 4:30 p.m., the brush fire, which originated near the intersection of Jane Lane and County Road 42, is burning east toward the St. Johns River.
   

• The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is requesting motorists to avoid the area completely in an effort to minimize traffic for emergency responders.
  
  

• Residents of the Deerhaven Road communities were evacuated. The homes were not necessarily in danger but the community could be shut off from County Road 42 as the fire approached Deerhaven Road.
   
• An American Red Cross shelter is established at the First Baptist Church of Paisley, located at 25145 Fishermans Road:
  
  
  Driving directions via:

  • » MapQuest
  • » Google Maps
  • » Yahoo Maps
   
  
  
   

Hotlines (Phone Numbers) (top)

• Lake County Citizens Information Line: (352) 253-9999

Wildfire Prevention Tips (top)

Although the use of gas grills and charcoal grills are permitted, the public is encouraged to keep a constant watch for any stray sparks or embers while cooking outdoors. Additionally, due to the potential for accidental ignitions, the use of motorized equipment such as ATVs and dirt bikes are not suggested during times of high wildfire risk. Lawnmowers can also pose accidental ignition risks.

One of the more effective ways to reduce the possibility of wildfires is to clear underbrush or debris blown down in storms. These dry plants and vegetation create more fuel for wildfires. It is recommended that homeowners try to maintain a 30-foot defensible space around their home to act as a firebreak. Other wildfire prevention tips include:

• Prune all branches around the residence to a height of 8 to 10 feet. Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying limbs and moss.
• Remove all dead limbs, needles and debris from rain gutters.
• Avoid open burning completely, especially during this dry season.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear flammable vegetation from around and under structures.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Store flammable materials in approved safety cans.
• Keep items available that can be used as fire tools, such as a rake, handsaw, chainsaw, bucket and shovel.
• Never throw a lighted cigarette from the window of a vehicle or walk off and leave a burning cigarette.

For more information about wildfire prevention, call the Lake County Department of Public Safety at (352) 343-9458.