Massive Polk County Brush Wildfire Now Contained, Says Forest Service

POLK COUNTY, FL — Polk County Fire Rescue crews are continuing to work with the Florida Forest Service to put out flare-ups from a massive wildfire that spread over 1,000 acres at the River Ranch Hunting Club in Lake Wales.

The fire broke out Tuesday, encompassing about 125 acres but doubled in size within 40 minutes.

By Wednesday morning, the fire had spread to 1,000 acres, destroying hunting camps and more than 200 outbuildings at the park.

Aided by Polk County Fire Rescue, the forest service reported Wednesday night that the fire had been contained despite a lack of fire hydrants in the area to douse the flames.

Although this wildfire is under control, Polk County and the city of Winter Haven have issued burn bans due to the dry, windy and low relative humidity. The ban prohibits any open burning until further notice.

To help reduce brush fires, Polk County Fire Rescue provided the following advice:

• Secure trailer safety chains properly to prevent them from sparking on asphalt
• Dispose of cigarette butts properly
• Do not litter or accumulate piles of dry debris
• Do not park a hot vehicle over dry vegetation
• Do not burn anything outside on windy days

The fire produced heavy smoke, especially around the area of State Road 60, and prompted the Florida Department of Health in Polk County to issue an advisory to let residents know that exposure to the wildfire smoke could cause a scratchy throat, irritated eyes and nose, respiratory tract and skin irritations and could worsen asthma, chronic lung and heart conditions.

The DOH also warned residents to keep pets indoors as much as possible.

For more information on protecting families and pets from wildfire smoke, click here.