Wildfire reported on and near district properties

MAITLAND, Fla., April 6, 2017 — On April 5, wildfires were reported on or near two St. Johns River Water Management District properties.

The district responded to wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties) and at Silver Springs in Marion County, adjacent to district property.

The wildfire at Silver Springs is contained. District staff and equipment are assisting with mop up operations to reduce smoke and prevent the chance of fire breaking out.

The wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area is south of the marsh area. Work is underway to access the area and determine the size of the fire as well as the correct fire suppression actions. The district is coordinating with Florida Forest Services, Brevard County Fire Rescue and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to contain the fire.

To date, rainfall trends for 2017 have been below average with future predictions for similar trends, creating conditions favorable for wildfire.

 Additional updates will follow later this afternoon. Please contact Danielle Spears at 407-961-3838 with any media inquiries.