28 years since massive wildfire in Waldo

WALDO, Fla. (WCJB) - This week marks 28 years since the town of Waldo went quiet.

On June 16, 1998, much of the town was evacuated due to smoke from a wildfire that burned tens of thousands of acres. The next day, everyone was told to leave.

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The fire became a case study for state officials discussing wildfire prevention, preparation, and response.

Two months ago, Alachua County Fire Rescue chief Harold Theus compared the outbreak of wildfires this year to the conditions during the time of the 1998 Waldo fire.

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