Hernando Beach Wildfire Consumes 1,100 Acres

HERNANDO BEACH, FL — A wildfire that’s kept authorities hopping since Saturday in Weeki Wachi Preserve was about 75 percent contained as of Monday afternoon, according to the Florida Forest Service. The blaze had ripped through an estimated 1,100 acres of land in the Hernando Beach area.

Blamed on a lightning strike in the preserve, the fire had nearly tripled in size since it was first reported over the weekend.

Smoke from the blaze created concerns for residents as far away as Pasco County on Sunday. Although flames were contained several miles north of the Pasco County line, Sunday’s winds caused smoke to travel into the area, prompting Pasco officials to reassure residents the flames were still miles from their neighborhoods.

Although mostly contained within the preserve, the Withlacoochee Forestry Center reported Monday that flames overnight threatened two homes, a church and a water tower on Sunday night. Those structures were all saved, Judy Tear, the forestry center’s spokeswoman, reported Monday.

How long before the fire will be deemed fully contained remains unclear.

As of Monday, Shoal Line Boulevard from Linda Pederson Park south to Jew Fish Drive remained close to all but local traffic, according to Hernando County Fire Rescue. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office intended to require identification from residents wishing to enter the area.

Fire rescue “is advising residents of the community not to conduct outside burning of debris during the severe fire dangers conditions in our area,” the agency warned on Facebook Monday morning. “Lack of rain, lower humidity and windy conditions make this activity extremely dangerous.”

Dry conditions are expected to continue throughout the Tampa Bay area through the week. Humidity levels, however, are anticipated to climb.

Photo and video courtesy of Hernando County Fire Rescue