Suncoast Lakes Shelter In Place Order Issued

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Residents of the Suncoast Lakes subdivision were being asked to shelter in place Wednesday afternoon as firefighters performed a “burn out” to help contain a wildfire in the area.

“We’re fighting fire with fire, and we’re burning out the vegetation between the wildfire and the homes,” explained Judy Tear, spokeswoman for the Florida Forest Service.

As the work is under way, authorities are asking residents of the subdivision to shelter in place and not drive on the main road. Residents who leave “will not be allowed back in until further notice,” an email from Pasco County said. “This is so fire vehicles can work safely.”

Tear said the burn out requires heavy equipment, which is creating a lot of traffic along the road that leads directly to the subdivision of about 50 homes.

“I’m trying not to get firefighters hit,” she said.

The Silver Palm fire, as it is being called, broke out on Monday; one of two wildfires reported on the State Road 52 corridor. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire had spread to about 35 acres, Tear said, and was considered only 25 percent contained. No homes were immediately threatened by the flames as of Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

It is unclear how long residents will be asked to steer clear of Silver Palm Boulevard.

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