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Brush Fire Starts Near Polk City Elephant Breeding Site
News Channel 8 photo by MICHAEL EGGER
A brush fire burns in Polk City off Old Grade Road.
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Published: May 20, 2008
POLK CITY - A small brush fire is burning near the Ringling Bros. elephant breeding facility in Polk City.
A fire truck has been stationed at the facility on Old Grade Road, but the fire is not expected to spread that far, said Heather McLanahan, a Polk County fire services spokeswoman.
The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. It has burned about five acres, McLanahan said. It's burning in a remote area, making it difficult for firefighters to reach it. The area of the fire is about a quarter mile from the elephant facility, McLanahan.
Firefighters think lightning likely started the blaze, McLanahan said.
Established in 1995, The Center for Elephant Conservation is located on 200 acres in Polk City. It is dedicated to research and breeding of Asian elephants. At least 20 elephants have been born there, according to the Ringling Bros. Web site.
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