Florida’s Fire Peril Not Over, Residents Told

BUNNELL, Fla. — Thousands of people who have returned to their homes after firefighters gained the upper hand against wildfires were warned Tuesday that the danger has not passed.

Gov. Lawton Chiles reminded Floridians that threats from fire remained throughout the state despite some much-needed showers Monday and Tuesday.

Flagler County stood in stark contrast to the lush green area it was before the weekend blazes destroyed 51 homes and forced the evacuation of more than 40,000 residents. Scattered showers Tuesday did little to put out the small fires that continued to smolder among the burned trees. Crews reported 60% of the fires in the county were contained.

Bay County Sheriff’s Lt. Jerry Girvin said: “We’re on the winning side right now.”

Still, officials were worried.

“We’re concerned right now with northwest Florida. It’s been very dry,” said Andy Devanas, state meteorologist. “Two inches of rain here or there is not going to do the trick.”