Wildfire causes evacuations near Gaston Road

Several homes have been evacuated in the area of Gaston Road and Shell Landing Road in Washington County due to a wildfire which began Wednesday afternoon.

The fire is estimated to be 150 or more acres at this time. Dozens of people have been evacuated at this time.

Four tractor plow units and two single-engine air tankers have been deployed to fight the fire at this time, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Evacuees are able to go to Live Oak Church, located at 5211 Millers Ferry Road, at this time.

At 5:50 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on social media urging people to avoid the area.

“Washington County Public Safety Crews are currently on scene in the area of Gaston Rd. and River Rd. in New Hope due to a wildfire,” it read. “Some residents are being evacuated at this time. Sheriff Crews request that everyone please avoid this area. We will update as information is available.”

At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.

The  Washington County News is in contact with emergency officials and will update this report as more information becomes available.