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Crews Battle Area Brush Fires

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By RUSSELL RAY

rray@tampatrib.com

Published: March 29, 2009

One home was destroyed and three others damaged in a large brush fire north of Lake Wales, where 200 homes have been evacuated.

About 50 children from a camp near the 200-acre blaze also were moved from the area.

About 70 firefighters from several departments are battling the blaze near Tiger Lake Road in Polk County. Gusty winds have complicated firefighters' efforts to contain the blaze.

"Winds have been an issue all day long," said Kristin Guira, a spokeswoman for the Division of Forestry.

Officials did not know if anyone was inside any of the homes that were damaged and destroyed. No injuries have been reported.

Officials say windy conditions could fuel the fire's spread in an area that has had little rainfall this year.

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the River Ranch Recreation Center, 30122 River Ranch Boulevard, in Lake Wales.

In northern Pinellas County, a 25-acre blaze south and east of Keystone Road has been contained, according to the East Lake Fire Department. Six homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Smoke was expected to linger for several hours near Brooker Creek Preserve, officials said.

In Pasco County, firefighters hoped to burn out a 250-acre brush fire near Big Cypress Swamp by scorching about 500 acres in a controlled burn. No homes were in danger.

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