BAY COUNTY WILDFIRE

The Florida Forest Service says the wildfire that burned 678 acres in the Sandy Creek area of Bay County is now under control. However, State Forest Service officials said issuing a burn ban to prevent similar fires would be premature and they were reluctant to recommend the county issue a burn ban since rain is forecast later this week. The Bay County Commission took no action on imposing a burn ban. Forestry officials said the many trees downed by Hurricane Michael helped the wildfire expand and makes the area more prone to forest fires. Florida Forest Service Center Manager Mike Mathis said heavy equipment and other resources have been strategically positioned to better respond to future fires.