Update on brush fires in Polk County
Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith shared an update on Monday afternoon about the county’s brush fire season and the ongoing burn ban in effect.
TAMPA – Emergency officials in Polk County issued a warning to residents after crews battled more than 30 separate brush fires in a 24-hour period.
On Monday, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service held a press conference to address the extreme drought conditions that have turned the county into what they are calling a “tinderbox.” The surge in activity prompted officials to remind the public that a countywide burn ban is strictly in effect.
The biggest blaze burned over 400 acres near state road 60, forcing it to close temporarily. It has since reopened, but the fire damaged several hunting camps and outbuildings in the area.
What they’re saying:
“The margin for error right now is zero,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith. “With the wind speeds we’re seeing and the lack of moisture in the ground, a single spark can turn into a 100-acre blaze in a matter of minutes.”
Despite the clear danger, officials noted that many of the weekend’s fires were preventable. In the Davenport area, a two-alarm fire burned 68 acres and destroyed four non-dwelling structures—a fire that officials say was likely sparked by illegal debris burning.
Todd Chlanda, a wildfire mitigation specialist with the Florida Forest Service, says that they haven’t seen conditions this dangerous this early in the year since 2011.
Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith made it clear that resources are being stretched to their limit.Â
Dig deeper:
Under the current ban, anyone found starting an illegal fire can face significant fines or even criminal charges if the fire leads to property damage or injury.
“These illegal recreational fires need to cease immediately,” Chief Smith warned. “We are asking for the public’s help to protect our firefighters and our communities. If you see smoke, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait.”
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue also responded to 14 brush fires Sunday alone, most of them in rural areas where dry vegetation and wind allowed flames to spread quickly.
One of the fires burned roughly 350 acres near Bethlehem Cemetery in Wimauma. Fire crews deployed brush trucks, large water tankers, and aerial support to contain the flames. Officials said no injuries were reported.
Timeline:
Fire officials say brush fire season typically peaks in April and May, but this year’s conditions arrived weeks early.
According to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Public Safety Information Chief Rob Herrin, unusually dry weather and strong winds have created a heightened fire risk across the region. FFS told firefighters they have not seen similar conditions in about 15 years.
Officials also say meaningful rain is not expected until late May, leaving several more months of elevated fire danger.
Brush fires present unique challenges because they often break out in remote areas with no nearby hydrants. Large tankers capable of carrying about 3,500 gallons of water are used to shuttle water to crews on the ground, requiring repeated trips to refill.
Aerial support from law enforcement agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department, helped crews attack fires from above when winds pushed flames across containment lines.
What we don’t know:
The cause of the large Wimauma brush fire remains under investigation but is now 100% contained.
Officials confirmed two separate brush fires in Hernando County were sparked by illegal burning, highlighting the risks tied to current dry conditions.
What you can do:
With burn bans in effect across the Bay Area, officials remind residents:
Grills are allowed for cooking.Campfires are not allowed.Burning leaves, yard debris, or other materials is prohibited.
Fire officials warn that anyone found responsible for starting a fire can be held civilly and criminally liable if damage occurs.
What’s next:
Firefighters expect busy weeks ahead as drought conditions persist. Officials are urging residents to follow burn bans and stay alert, especially on windy days when fires can spread rapidly. Click here to learn more.
The Source: This article is based on on-scene reporting, interviews with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue officials, and information provided by local fire and law enforcement agencies during live coverage of multiple brush fires across the Bay Area.