4PM UPDATE:
(Hernando Beach, FL) On April 9th, 2017 Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) continues to work with the Florida Forest Service and state and local agencies to contain and control the Water Tower Fire in the Weekiwachee Preserve area of Hernando County. Currently the fire is approximately 650 acres in size and approximately 25% contained.
The Weekiwachee Preserve is approximately an 11,000 acres of public conservation land. It is primarily a heavily wooded and marsh land area along with limited access along the west coast of Hernando County. The major roadways are Shoal Line Boulevard to the west, Commercial Way (U.S. Hwy 19) to the east, Osowaw Blvd to the south and Cortez Blvd (SR 50) to the north.
Road Closures continue to all but local traffic is Shoal Line Blvd between Osowaw Blvd and Linda Pederson Park on Shoal Line Blvd.
The Florida Forest Service, Hernando County Sheriffs Office, Hernando County Emergency Management, Citrus County Sheriff Fire Rescue, Pasco County Fire Rescue, The Hernando County Fire Corps and The Red Cross are currently providing mutual Aid. In total,
approximately 50 personnel are on scene.
SITUATION
Please see the following message from Hernando County Fire Rescue:
At about 1900 on April 8, 2017, Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) and the Florida Forestry Service (FFS) responded to a fire near the Hernando Beach water tower located within the Weeki Wachee Preserve.
The wildfire began from what is believed to be a smoldering muck fire that occurred due to lightning. Approximately 300 acres have burned thus far, with only 20 percent containment.
A local church was the only structure potentially threatened by the fire. Shoal Line Blvd. is closed from Jew Fish Dr. to Cortez Blvd.
The Hernando Beach boat ramp is also closed. It is expected that weather conditions will deteriorate throughout the day causing the fire to continue and grow. Therefore, aggressive back-burning will continue.
HCFR expects to burn a total of approximately 1,000 acres. Smoke over Hernando Beach is extensive, but all personnel and the community is currently safe. Only residents with proof of residency will be allowed in the area.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Residents should stay indoors to avoid smoke inhalation.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local media outlets for current information.
Report fires promptly.
For updates on this unfolding event, follow Hernando County Fire Rescue on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hernandocountyfirerescue and on Twitter @hernandocofire. Follow Florida Forest Service on Twitter @FFS_Withlacooch.
Hernando County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation.