Five Mile Swamp Fire Re-Entry: Previously Closed Evacuation Zone Now Open to Residents Only
(See larger map: https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/…/Five-Mile-Swamp-Fire-Re-Entr…)
Open to residents only: Everything on Garcon Point Road east to the Blackwater Bay from I-10 south to Mary Kitchens Road including Garcon Point Road. This area reopens at a Level 2 meaning residents must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Law enforcement check points will be in place at Garcon Point at I-10 and Avalon Blvd. as well as Garcon Point at Robinson Point Road. Residents must show a photo ID (preferably a driver’s license with an address matching the residence).
Level 1 – Everything south of Mary Kitchens Road on Avalon and Garcon Point Road, and on the west side of Avalon is at a Level 1 evacuation, meaning residents can return to their homes but need to stay aware. Level 1 also extends up to Da Lisa Road.
Level 2 – Indian Bayou to Mary Kitchens Road and the houses along Mary Kitchens Road as well as Robinson Point Road to Oakview Drive are a Level 2 evacuation and may return home but must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Note that Robinson Point Road can only be accessed from the entrance north of I-10 where it connects with Warren Road.
“Fire personnel are providing ‘mop up’ tactics today, doing all we can to ensure the area is as safe as possible before we allow residents back into areas that had previously been evacuated,” said Public Safety Director Brad Baker. “In addition, extra structural protection resources have been brought in to assist with the firefighting efforts and citizens may see them staged in areas as a precaution, should a hot spot flare up outside the perimeter.”
– Santa Rosa County damage assessment teams are assessing the number of damaged structures and have confirmed 14 destroyed residences and one with minor damage. This includes mobile and modular homes, single family residential homes, and guest houses but not include barns, sheds or other ancillary structures.
– There have been no injuries to responders or residents.
– Residents are reminded not to fly drones at this time. Drones interfere with air support, forcing helicopter operations to stay grounded and impeding firefighting efforts.
– Residents are strongly discouraged from burning leaves, debris or trash.
– Monetary donations for long-term recovery efforts for residents who have lost their homes can be made to Safer Santa Rosa. https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/353/SAFER
Evacuations/Re-Entry/Road Closures
– Interstate 10 has currently reopened to traffic in both directions.
– Evacuation and re-entry areas remain unchanged.
– As areas begin reopen, they will reopen to RESIDENTS ONLY and residents will need to be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
– Closed – Everything on Garcon Point Road east to the Blackwater Bay from I-10 south to Mary Kitchens Road remains closed including Garcon Point Road.