WKGC Evacuation Alert:

UPDATE 6:22PM: Things are said to have improved since the sun went down in a recent WKGC interview. There may be a possible state wide burn ban coming from the Office of the Governor as this wildfire started with someone burning in their yard. Twelve homes have been damaged currently and almost all of the fuel is from Hurricane Michael debris.

UPDATE 6PM: Additional places may be opened for shelter tomorrow morning. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office Jail is not being evacuated at this time but the fire is estimated at about a mile and a half to one mile away from the jail at this time.

UPDATE 5:10PM: No injuries or fatalities from the fire has been reported at this time. Around 600 homes have now been evacuated.

UPDATE 4:44PM: Evacuees can evacuate to Hiland Park Baptist Church located at 2611 US-231. Pets are welcome.

Evacuations have been ordered for East of Transmitter Road and South of Highway 231 — including up to Star Ave – due to active wildfires within the area. Springfield, East Callaway Heights, Amanda Circle, Avondale Estates, Brentwood & many other surrounding areas are being evacuated. Upwards of 350 homes, two Bay County district schools, and Panama City Emergency Room on Hwy 231, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Jail are in zones to be evacuated.