A rapidly spreading wildfire near Jacksonville, Alabama, has forced authorities to issue mandatory evacuations for residents in the path of the flames. The fire, which began near Faith Drive, is moving quickly toward surrounding neighbourhoods, prompting an urgent response from local fire departments and emergency services.
Evacuations in Affected Areas
Residents in the following neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate immediately:
- Charlie Penny
- Charity Lane
- Cove Road
- Kelly Lane
- Gaddy Drive
- Peace Road
- Dogwood Lane
- Mixon Road
- Faith Drive
- Grey Harslon
- Foster West
- Tims Lane
- Williams Road
Evacuated residents are being directed to the First Baptist Church of Williams, where the church gymnasium has been converted into an emergency shelter. Authorities are urging residents to stay clear of the evacuation zones to allow emergency teams full access to manage the fire.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Firefighters, alongside local and state resources, have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Despite their best efforts, the fire continues to spread, driven by dry conditions and high winds. A large portion of the Pleasant Valley and Jacksonville areas remain under threat, with homes and businesses potentially at risk.
Important Safety Information
With the wildfire still active, residents in nearby areas must stay alert and prepare for potential evacuation orders. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Stay informed by checking local news and official updates on social media.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and documents.
- Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities give the all-clear.
How to Stay Updated
Local news outlets are providing continuous coverage of the wildfire. Residents are encouraged to monitor:
- WVTM 13 for live updates on the evacuation and firefighting efforts.
- The Calhoun Journal for detailed reports on the fire’s progress and safety information.
Forecast and Weather Conditions
The weather in Jacksonville, Alabama, is currently clear with a temperature of 44°F (7°C). The high temperature for the week is expected to reach 73°F (23°C), creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread. There is no significant rain forecast for the coming days, so residents should remain on high alert.
What’s Next for Jacksonville?
As firefighting efforts continue, authorities are asking everyone in affected areas to follow evacuation orders immediately and to stay in the safe zones until further notice. The situation remains fluid, and more areas may be evacuated if the fire continues to spread.
