Latest news with #FloridaForestService
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Forest fires affecting visibility on roads near Ocala National Forest, FHP says
The Florida Forest Service is responding to forest fires in Putnam County. It's happening near State Road 19 and National Forest Road 74. FFS said one is the Bobcat Trail Fire and one is the Mondex Wildfire. The Florida Highway Patrol said, 'This may affect travel on SR 19 near the Ocala National forest throughout the day, night and into the morning hours.' FHP is reminding drivers to use caution, especially at night and in the early morning hours. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews battle more than a dozen fires across Tampa Bay area in the last several days
The Brief The Florida Forest Service said it responded to more than a dozen wildfires across parts of the Tampa Bay area over Memorial Day Weekend. Fire officials don't expect these recent fires to be the last during peak dry season, with June expected to be dryer than usual. Fire officials also warn that as the summer storms pick up, lightning strikes can smolder for a few days before sparking up a brush fire. LAKELAND, Fla. - The Florida Forest Service said it responded to more than a dozen wildfires across parts of the Tampa Bay area over Memorial Day Weekend. Fire officials said recent weather conditions have played a big role in recent fires. "The majority of the fires over the weekend we attribute to lightning," said Todd Chlanda, a wildfire mitigation specialist with the Florida Forest Service's Lakeland District. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Big picture view Chlanda said they responded to 15 wildfires over the weekend. On Saturday, Hillsborough Couny Fire Rescue responded to a 400-acre brush fire in Alafia River State Park. On Sunday, a bush fire broke out near Balm Riverview Road in Hillsborough County. HCFR said it also responded to a brush fire that was about 10 acres in north Plant City on Monday afternoon. Fire crews said it broke out near Shoupe Road, west of SR-39. RELATED: Florida Forest Service expects busy summer as experts predict prolonged dry season Local perspective Residents in north Plant City spotted smoke near their home Monday afternoon. "One of my neighbors reached out and was like, 'Hey, the woods are on fire behind our houses,'" Trey Larson, the owner of Florida Game Recovery, said. Larson said his drone has a thermal camera and can track heat while flying over the area. "As the HCFR is rolling up, I'm watching it with the drone. I'm air dropping them pins of like bigger fires on that property, and while I was there, I looked up on the horizon and saw an even bigger fire on a property down the street," Larson said. READ: 3 arrested in S. Tampa DUI crash that severed man's leg: Police Larson said the drone can detect hotspots and give a bird's-eye view of the fire as it spreads. "In a fire situation, you can look into those woods and see every spot that is on fire, whereas on the ground, looking through all the bushes, it's really tough to see," Larson said. Dig deeper More agencies are looking to drone technology to help fight fires. The Florida Forest Service said it's in the beginning phase of adding drones to its program. "We have helicopters, and we have fixed wing planes that help us locate the fire, scout the fire and also help us put out the fire," Chlanda said. Chlanda said once their aviation units get on the scene of a fire, it's important to let their crews take over. He said the Florida Forest Service assists local agencies with a lot of these wildfires, because its equipment can help reach difficult areas some of these fires burn in. MORE: Tampa officials tout street resurfacing progress, discuss ways to further expand work "Where you see the fire departments, they're not going to really take a lot of their equipment off the paved road a lot, because they're just not built for that," Chlanda said. "Our dozers are built for going out in the woods, tracking through the forest, through brush and dragging the plow behind it to cut that fire line into the soil." What's next Fire officials don't expect these recent fires to be the last during peak dry season. Chlanda said June is expected to be dryer than usual. "Our pilots are in the air every day, scanning, monitoring for any kind of smoke columns that they see," Chlanda said. "So, I got a feeling that the next week or so is probably going to be busy for all of our resources." Fire officials also warn that as the summer storms pick up, lightning strikes can smolder for a few days before sparking up a brush fire. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kylie Jones. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brush fire near Lake Harney burns 15 acres, smoke visible in Geneva area
The Brief Firefighters from Volusia and Seminole counties, along with the Florida Forest Service, are battling multiple brush fires near Lake Harney that have burned around 15 acres. One fire has been contained, while two others continue to produce heavy smoke drifting toward the Geneva area, though no structures are currently threatened. ORLANDO, Fla. - Fire crews from Volusia and Seminole counties, along with the Florida Forest Service, responded late Saturday afternoon to multiple brush fires near Lake Harney, with smoke visible throughout the Geneva area and neighboring communities. What we know According to Seminole County Fire Department officials, three separate fires were reported on the Volusia County side of Lake Harney, burning a combined total of approximately 15 acres. One of the fires has since been contained, while the remaining two continue to burn in a densely wooded area near Morgan Alderman Road and Spanish Moss Court. Officials said the fires are producing a significant amount of smoke, much of which is drifting toward Geneva. No structures are currently threatened, and no injuries have been reported. As of Saturday evening, 14 firefighting units remain on scene, working under the coordination of Volusia County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Fire Department, and the Florida Forest Service. The smoke has been made more visible by recent rainfall, and residents are advised not to call 911 unless they observe a distinct smoke column or visible flames. The response is ongoing. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from the Seminole County Fire Department.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brush fires in Osceola County burn 575 acres, officials say fires at 70% containment
The Brief Two brush fires broke out on Friday in the area of the Lake Lizzie Preserve in Osceola County. The fires have now burned 575 acres and are still only at 70% containment. Authorities said no injuries have been reported, and no structures face an immediate threat. OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Two brush fires that broke out on Friday in the area of the Lake Lizzie Preserve in Osceola County have now burned 575 acres and are still only at 70% containment, officials say. Authorities said no injuries have been reported, and no structures face an immediate threat. What we know Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, the Florida Forest Service and the St. Cloud Fire Department responded to two brush fires on Friday afternoon in the area near Lake Lizzie. Officials believe the fires were likely started by a lightning strike. However, the cause of the fires is still under investigation. As part of fire containment operations, Florida Forest Service personnel said they conducted controlled back-burning along the fire's containment perimeter to eliminate flammable vegetation and mitigate risk to structures. What's next Personnel are remaining on scene to monitor the conditions of the fires. Crews are continuing to work to get the fires at 100% containment. What you can do Authorities said that although rainy conditions throughout the weekend are expected to aid with the containment and suppression of the fires, residents should expect some smoke and hazy conditions to persist through the coming days due to the humidity. Officials are asking residents to exercise caution when driving, as hazy conditions may present visibility issues on roadways. Locals should call 911 if they see thick chimneys of smoke or flames. Dig deeper Burn bans continue to be in place for many areas throughout Central Florida due to the ongoing dry conditions and wildfire risk. Osceola County instituted a burn ban on April 27. The burn ban prohibits all types of outside burning, including campfires, fire pits, trash burning, ground-based burning and fireworks. Above-ground charcoal, ga, or electric grills are still permitted, but safety precautions must be taken. The ban will be lifted when conditions improve for at least seven consecutive days. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Forest Service, the Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS and the St. Cloud Fire Department.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Brush fire near Florida Keys burns 400 acres, 50% contained as crews warn of fast-changing road conditions
All lanes open on 18-Mile Stretch, Card Sound Road following brush fires All lanes open on 18-Mile Stretch, Card Sound Road following brush fires All lanes open on 18-Mile Stretch, Card Sound Road following brush fires A brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County that has burned at least 400 acres was 50% contained as of Saturday, according to the Florida Forest Service, which continues to battle the flames alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. As of late Friday night, all lanes along U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road between Florida City and Key Largo are open. However, fire officials caution that road closures may be reinstated at any time due to shifting conditions and ongoing firefighting operations. Crews were still actively working in the area amid high winds Saturday, which could complicate containment efforts. The fire, named the 167 West Fire, has already disrupted travel to and from the Florida Keys since Thursday, when intermittent closures began on the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road. Drivers are urged to stay alert and check conditions before heading south. Travelers weigh risks of heading to the Florida Keys Jason Pita and his friends were headed to the Keys despite the uncertainty. "Yeah, we're going down. We already drove like 30, 40 minutes—we need to go down," he said. A similar fire in the same region last March scorched more than 26,000 acres and forced road closures for a week. William Mendez, who was caught in that fire's aftermath, recalled getting stuck in the Keys for over two days. "I didn't think I'd have to go through this again so soon," he said. Florida officials urge public caution as containment continues Michelle Danielson, senior forester with the Florida Forest Service's Everglades District, confirmed there were no additional updates as of Saturday morning beyond the 400-acre size and 50% containment. Officials are asking the public to avoid the affected area as emergency crews continue to secure the fire lines. South Florida remains at a moderate wildfire risk on the state's Fire Danger Index.
