The Florida Forest Service is responding to a series of wildfires along the west coast of Hernando County.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Withlacoochee Forestry Center-Florida Forest Service says three wildfires broke out after lightning strikes Monday around 6:30 p.m.
“The Shoal Line Blvd Wildfire was 100% contained at acre.
“The Preserve Wildfire was 75% contained and 8 acres.
“The Marsh Wildfire is currently 185 acres.
“No homes are threatened at this time and the cause of all these wildfires is lightning.”
Fire services say they monitored the Marsh Wildfire through the night. The Florida Forest Service Wildland Firefighters and the Hernando County Fire & Emergency Services monitored the fire, using equipment and personnel from the Florida Forest Service, including “three Tractor-Plow Units, an Engine and Supervisor on the Marsh Wildfire.”
The firefight continues Tuesday. The Florida Forest Service says it “has three Tractor-Plow Units, three Engines and two Supervisors on scene of the Marsh Wildfire.”
The fire services stress that they’re still trying to determine how many acres are affected and that no homes are threatened.
They are updating the public on Facebook @ FFSWithlacooch and Twitter @ FFS_Withlacooch.
Meanwhile, Pine Island Park is closed. In a press release Tuesday, Hernando County wrote, “Hernando County Parks and Recreation announces the temporary closure of Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Park, located at 10840 Pine Island Drive near Hernando Beach, on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in an abundance of caution due to a nearby brush fire.”
Hernando County recommends that people should exercise caution if traveling near Pine Island Drive and Cortez Boulevard because smoke from the fire is causing decreased visibility.
To find out more, including when Pine Island Park might reopen, call Hernando County Parks and Recreation at (352) 754-4027.
