I read where fire had jumped 98, or Back Beach Rd., from Hwy 79 and was making it's way toward houses across from the Wild Heron Development. Is this true? I was looking at the WHBG website and it was mentioned on the Sowal forum site. If so, does anyone think it was sparked by the fire near Freeport? I know people in Point Washington were seeing ash cover everything at their homes and thick smoke. Hope everyone is safe down there, people and animals alike. We are supposed to be coming down the end of August, hope there is something to come to.

Here's the latest from WJHG:

A big fire broke out late this afternoon on the west end of Panama City Beach.

The blaze started in a swampy area and moved southeast across Back Beach Road in the Marlin Legrand, Riviera, and Kelly Street areas.

Bay County deputies and firefighters are evacuating those areas from Back Beach south to Pompano Street. They are going door to door telling people to get out at this time.

The fire started in an area east of Wild Heron and moved southeast, blown by the gusty winds.

The fire is still growing and Back Beach Road has been closed. Traffic is being detoured.

www.wjhg.com

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I'll watch the news tonight and update if there's any more info.

It doesn't mention how big the fire is, but there's lots of woods in that area that could burn. Hopefully they get it put out tonight.

(unrelated to the Freeport fire)

I hope they do get it put out. What swampy area are they referring to? Off of 79? That area near Boondocks where the airboat ride is has some swampy area. I hope they get it under control. Sure don't want our favorite vacation spot burning up.

The PC Beach fire burned 22 acres and is 95% contained.

Back Beach has reopened.

Seven houses had minor cosmetic damage (melted siding, etc) but no structural damage.

The fire started just Northeast of Wild Heron, near Lake Powell. Nowhere near Boondocks (thank goodness!)

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The fire in Freeport burned 850 acres and is 85% contained. Travelers should find an alternative route and stay away from Freeport tomorrow.

Thanks swn5363 for the update. Lake Powell is close to where we stay. Like right on the other side of 98 from us. Our townhouse we rent is west of Lake Powell just a little ways. Isn't that Camp Helen that is right next to that inlet of water from Lake Powell? I wonder if embers from that fire in Freeport blew all that distance sparking it. You guys need some major rain. We are about 8 inches below normal here ourselves but there is not the problem with fires like that here. Not that there couldn't be. I wish you all a good soaking rain.