A fast-moving brush fire near Deden Loop turned a quiet Tuesday in Bradford County into a tense few hours, as roughly 170 acres burned and nearby residents were told to get out. By Tuesday evening, the evacuation order was lifted, firefighters had a handle on the flames, and neighbors were cleared to head back home, though officials warned that smoky skies could hang around overnight. County roads closest to the burn area remained restricted while crews focused on locking in fire lines and protecting homes.
According to the Bradford County Sheriff, homes along Deden Loop between SW 136th Avenue and SW 147th Avenue were ordered to evacuate when winds pushed flames toward the neighborhood. Later, the office announced the all clear and said residents could return. Deputies urged people to steer clear of the fire zone and keep roadways open for emergency vehicles, and they added a reminder that drone pilots should stay grounded so manned firefighting aircraft can operate safely overhead.
As reported by News4JAX, the Florida Forest Service had the wildfire mapped at about 170 acres by around 6 p.m., with aircraft, including an airplane and a helicopter, dropping water to slow its spread. The outlet also noted that SW County Road 231 remained closed to non-residential traffic while crews built out a safety perimeter around the burn area. Officials cautioned that shifting winds and heavy smoke could change conditions in a hurry.
Road closures and safety measures
The sheriff’s office said SW CR 231 is closed to non-residential traffic, and Deden Loop is blocked at both ends of SW County Road 18 while deputies and fire crews hold the line. Authorities repeatedly asked residents not to "drive down" just to get a look at the blaze, pointing out that extra traffic creates new hazards and slows the people actually fighting the fire. Drivers were also warned to expect reduced visibility from smoke and to keep access routes open for fire engines and mutual-aid units heading in and out.
Why the fire spread quickly
County leaders had already put a local burn ban in place in February after drought conditions and high Keetch-Byram drought-index readings pushed wildfire risk higher, according to an emergency order posted on the sheriff’s site. That order bars most outdoor burning unless it is specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service and notes that violations can be charged as misdemeanors.
What to watch next
Fire crews were expected to keep working through the night on mop-up and monitoring, looking for hotspots and flare-ups. Residents were urged to stay alert for changing conditions and any new instructions from officials. For the latest information on road closures, evacuation status, and firefighting activity, check coverage from News4JAX and official Bradford County channels.
