Hernando Firefighters Are Working To Contain 1,000 Acre Brush Fire
Hernando officials say a brush fire that has burned 1,100 acres is now 75 percent contained.
The fire is believed to have started over the weekend from a lightning strike in the Weekiwachee Preserve. There are currently around seven bulldozers, two helicopters and numerous brush trucks from the Florida Forestry Service and Hernando County Fire Rescue Department on the scene.
According to the Florida Forest Service, there are no homes in the path of the fire and no other structures in immediate danger.
One church came close to flames, but officials told WFLA it was spared. One family was evacuated close to the scene, but there has been no injuries.
Shoal Line Boulevard has been closed from Linda Pedersen Park to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Building for now and proof of residency is required to enter the area.
Right now residents in Hernando and Pasco County are experiencing heavy smoke while crews continue to battle the fire.
“This is a difficult fire by the nature of the topography,” said Hernando County Fire Chief Alex Lopez to Bay News 9. “We have a heavily marched area. The Weeki Wachee preserve is a combination of marsh and heavily wooded area with limited access. A lot of water in the area so it prevents our trucks and units from getting close to the fire.”
As the battle continues News Talk Florida will bring the latest updates.
