ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A brush fire in Orange County that prompted the evacuation of more than 150 people at a hotel in Orlando's tourist district Friday is 75 percent contained.
The fire, which had grown to more than 400 acres, broke out near the 12500 block of Daryl Carter Parkway, south of International Drive.
The blaze grew quickly due to dry conditions and high winds, officials said. By 4:30 p.m., it was covered 475-acres.
Crews evacuated guests at a nearby Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, but the evacuation order has since been lifted and guests were allowed to return.
#CarterParkway still 475 ac. 75% cont. Crews will be improving fire lines for access and beginning mop up: putting water on hot spots
— FFS Orlando (@FFS_Orlando) April 8, 2017
We're talking with families being evacuated from this Sheraton on I-Drive because of the fire. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/lyHxncNJGh
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) April 7, 2017
I-Drive wildfire spread to 350 acres & is 50% contained. Cause is under investigation. Wind-driven fire. No injuries. Fire in nearby swamp.
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) April 7, 2017
"We're from New York, so we don't usually deal with this kind of thing. So we're going to just take the kids and go for now,” said tourist Laura Palmiero. “We were getting very panicked but we made it.”
A helicopter poured gallons of water over the fire.
"It's getting pretty bad so we're just not taking any chances," said Palmiero. "It's terrible but we're not making light of it."
Orange County Fire Rescue crews were stationed a the Terra Vista Park neighborhood and prepared to evacuate homes if needed, but by the time the fire was contained, no structured were in danger.
No injuries have been reported.
The fire was extinguished after it spread to an area of about a half-acre, then re-ignited, officials said.
Stay with wftv.com for updates.
More information about brush fires in Central Florida:
#CarterParkway 300+ ac. 10% cont. please follow @OCFireRescue @OrangeCoSheriff for any evacuation notices.
— FFS Orlando (@FFS_Orlando) April 7, 2017
This is our view heading to cover the 300+ acre brush fire in the I-Drive area that has forced a hotel evacuation #wftv pic.twitter.com/tzMcgIbAKA
— Deneige Broom (@deneigebroom) April 7, 2017
These people have packed up their clothes and are going to look for some place else to stay, just in case @WFTV pic.twitter.com/fuMUZ6ugDC
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) April 7, 2017
Fire crews are now using a helicopter to drop water over the large brush fire @WFTV pic.twitter.com/aHPuCj5ipj
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) April 7, 2017
Cox Media Group