Mill Pond

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Mill Pond Fire ignited on the afternoon of Thursday, March 19, 2026. It is located in Liberty County, Florida, approximately three miles south of Telogia, west of State Road 65, and south of NE Dewber Road near the Mill Pond Branch creek.
Size and Containment: Based on the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,754 acres and is currently 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is primarily fueled by southern rough and grass. While it initially required active suppression, recent trace rainfall over the fire area has significantly reduced its rate of spread. The fire is currently exhibiting minimal fire behavior, consisting mostly of creeping and smoldering.
Containment Efforts: Wildfire crews, including resources from the U.S. Forest Service (National Forests in Florida), have utilized a blended strategy to suppress the fire. This includes using existing holding features such as roads, trails, and creeks, alongside direct attacks using dozers to work ahead of the fire. Firing operations were also conducted to keep the fire contained within its holding footprint.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Mill Pond Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened, as no residential areas are currently under threat.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no major road or infrastructure closures directly attributed to the Mill Pond Fire at this time.
• However, officials warn that smoke from the smoldering fire may impact local roadways, particularly State Road 65. Travelers are highly encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and turn on low beams if encountering smoke or fog while driving.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Liberty County Emergency Management
• Florida Disaster - Wildfire Preparedness

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Mill Pond Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire has remained in rural, forested areas, and there are no reports of structures being damaged, destroyed, or currently threatened.
School and Business Closures: No schools or businesses have been closed due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact has been on local wildland and forest management resources, which are heavily committed across the state due to an unusually active fire season.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Due to extreme fire danger, the Liberty County Board of County Commissioners and Emergency Management have instituted a strict county-wide burn ban. All outdoor burning is currently prohibited to prevent new fire starts.
Air Quality: Smoke from the smoldering fire may pose localized health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents in the vicinity are advised to monitor air quality and stay indoors if smoke becomes heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently holding at 70% containment. Thanks to recent trace rainfall and minimal fire behavior, firefighters expect to continue successfully managing the fire by reinforcing existing holding features and monitoring the creeping and smoldering areas.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While the immediate area has seen some relief from trace rainfall, the broader region remains under an elevated fire risk. Periodic gusty winds remain a concern across the state, and residents should remain vigilant as dry conditions persist.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Mill Pond Fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate conditions are playing a major role in Florida's current fire landscape. The state is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a severe, prolonged drought combined with historic winter freezes. The freezing temperatures killed off vast amounts of vegetation, leaving an abundance of dry, dead brush across the state. This combination of drought, dead fuel loads, and periodic gusty winds has created a perfect recipe for rapid wildfire spread, contributing to an unusually active 2026 fire season.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Liberty County Emergency Management
• Florida Disaster - Wildfire Preparedness