Mill Pond

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Mill Pond Fire ignited around 1:54 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026. It is located in Liberty County, Florida, approximately 3 miles south of Telogia, between Telogia and Liberty, west of State Road 65 and south of NE Dewber Road near the Mill Pond Branch creek within the Apalachicola National Forest.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,760 acres and is between 70% and 89% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported as a 10-acre fire, it spread through national forest lands. Wildfire crews used a blended strategy of utilizing existing holding features such as roads, trails, and creeks, along with direct attack methods using dozers working ahead of the fire. Firing operations were also utilized to contain the fire within its holding footprint.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida (Apalachicola Ranger District) alongside state fire crews. Firefighters have successfully secured the majority of the perimeter, bringing containment up significantly over the past month and focusing on holding existing lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Mill Pond Fire. The fire is burning in a remote area with an affected population of zero.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings.
Curfew: No curfews are in effect for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No shelters are currently required or open for this fire.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no major road closures currently in effect due to the Mill Pond Fire.
• Officials advise that smoke from the fire may occasionally impact local roads, including State Road 65. Travelers in the area are encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and turn on low beams if encountering smoke while driving.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida
• Liberty County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Mill Pond Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. The fire has remained in remote, forested areas.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures resulting from this fire.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact has been to the Apalachicola National Forest ecosystem and localized smoke in the surrounding rural areas.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Due to severe drought conditions across the state, many Florida counties are under strict burn bans. Residents should check local Liberty County guidelines before doing any outdoor burning.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may pose health risks to sensitive groups. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality and limit outdoor activities if smoke is heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire sitting at up to 89% containment, firefighters are focused on patrolling and maintaining holding lines. Full containment is expected as crews continue to monitor the perimeter and mop up any remaining hot spots within the fire's footprint.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Florida is currently experiencing a severe drought. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across various parts of the state due to dry fuels, low humidity, and windy conditions. These conditions mean that any new fire starts or flare-ups could spread rapidly.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Mill Pond Fire was human-caused and ignited within the Apalachicola National Forest.
Weather and Climate: The fire's growth was heavily influenced by extreme fire weather conditions. In early 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) projected an above-normal wildfire risk for Florida, linked primarily to persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña. This climate pattern has significantly reduced precipitation and increased temperatures, leading to a severe drought and a historic wildfire season across the state.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida
• Liberty County Emergency Management