Lake Firefighters Stop Quick Moving Brush Fire

Howey, FL – Fast moving winds contributed to at least 2 controlled burns getting out of control this weekend and causing brush fires in Lake County. Fire crews from Lake County and Leesburg extinguished two brush fires, one on Turkey Lake Road in Howey in the Hills and another on SR 33 south of Leesburg. 

“The fire in Howey was contained to about two acres. We do have one very fortunate homeowner though. Our guys arrived just in time to save their home. The fire burned within inches of the building” reports Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County. “Another minute or two later, and we would have been facing a house fire as well.”

Firefighters spend over an hour making sure the fire was completely. “When you have strong winds like we have been having lately, it increases the danger of brush fires because it spreads quickly. We recommend not burning when we have these types of wind conditions. Even if you have a permit to burn, if it gets out of control, you can be subject to a hefty fine and also responsible for the cost of any property damaged or lost.”

Lake County firefighters also assisted Leesburg Firefighters with a 2 to 3 acre brush fire on CR 33 south of Leesburg. No property loss was reported.