HERNANDO BEACH -- The wildfire remains at 120 acres and is now 90% contained. Crews from the Florida Forest Service – Withlacoochee Forestry Center are currently conducting mop‑up operations and will remain on scene throughout the day. Residents may continue to see smoke and smoldering as remaining hot spots are extinguished.
HERNANDO BEACH -- Just after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, Hernando County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service Withlacoochee Forestry Center responded to a brush fire in the Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando Beach.
Units arrived on the scene and found a large brush fire moving rapidly west towards Shoal Line Boulevard.
Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire; however, strong winds drove the fire through multiple fire stops, threatening the businesses on the east side of Shoal Line Boulevard between Catalina Street and Hermosa Boulevard, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for all homes and businesses on the east side of Shoal Line Boulevard between Calienta Street and Osowaw Boulevard.
The fire quickly spread, threatening multiple structures along the east side of Shoal Line Boulevard. Fire conditions remained erratic due to high winds, prompting a mutual aid request from Pasco County Fire Rescue for units and personnel to assist with structural protection. Firefighters were able to successfully keep all structures unharmed with no reported damage.
No injuries were reported. The evacuation order was lifted at 11:42 p.m. on Sunday.
As of Monday morning, March 30, at 6:47 a.m., there is 40% containment, and with GPS mapping the wildfire is 120 acres.
Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center and Hernando County Fire Rescue are still on scene. No structures are threatened or damaged.
The wildfire is still active and visible smoke along Shoal Line Boulevard.
Use caution when driving in the area for your safety and the safety of firefighters.
