Brush Fire Spreads Over 100 Acres In Starkey Park

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey has been closed to the public as firefighters struggle to contain a growing brush fire.

By 6:30 p.m. Friday, Florida Forest Service aircraft estimated the fire had spread over 110 acres but was 60 percent contained, according to Judy Tear, public information officer for the Withlacoochee Forestry Center.

The wildfire on Haltata Court broke out at 10:29 a.m. Friday. Tear said the Florida Forest Service has 12 firefighters working to contain the fire and are using five tractor-plow units to improve containment lines along with fire engines that are putting water on the hot spots.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

Drivers reported light smoke conditions along Starkey Boulevard and fire officials are advising caution when driving through the area.

Residents have reported ash falling in nearby neighborhoods. Pasco County Fire Rescue is monitoring the neighborhoods but said no homes are in danger at this time.