POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A brush fire that has spread across hundreds of acres prompted evacuations Wednesday in Polk County, officials said.
The Polk County Fire Chief said about 800 homes have been evacuated, according to WFTV’s ABC affiliate in Tampa.
Crews are using bulldozers, brush trucks and helicopters to help battle the fire. Rain in the later part of the afternoon proved to be a big help, firefighters said.
Polk County Fire Rescue said the blaze has burned through 1,500 to 1,600 acres in the Indian Lake Estates area near 7200 Highway 630.
The entire community consists of 800 homes and 8,000 lots.
[ Photos: Polk County brush fire ]
The Florida Forest Service said several homes were in danger. One home was damaged, but not destroyed, and a few animals were injured, Fire Rescue officials said.
As the fire spread, River Ranch Hunting Grounds was also evacuated.
Drivers were asked to avoid both areas.
A reverse 911 call was used to contact residents in the affected areas.
Florida Forest Service officials said windy conditions have made it difficult to battle the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Twenty-seven wildfires popped up across the state Wednesday. Officials urge anyone asked to evacuate to do so as early as possible.