Crews Battling Wildfire at Brooker Creek Preserve

Firefighters are battling a small wildfire in the Brooker Creek Preserve that is believed to have been started by a lightning strike, according to Florida Forest Services. 

About 12:40 p.m. Friday, someone called to report smoke in the area. A ranger went to investigate and discovered the two-acre wildfire, according to Sharon Kapolka, Florida Forest Services Duty Officer.

Kapolka says the wildfire has been named the "Blackwater Fire" and is off of Pine Needle Path. It is about 70 percent contained. Crews are fighting the fire on ground using one brush truck and two tractors and plows. No homes are in danger.

The Fire Danger Index in Pinellas County is High, according to the Florida Forest Service. Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture issued a warning to citizens, asking them to be careful over the Memorial Day weekend because of the threat of wildfires.

“Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate our nation’s freedoms with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “However, it is important for Floridians to celebrate responsibly and be careful with fire.” 

Despite recent rains in portions of the state, overall fire danger remains elevated due to extended drought. Even the smallest spark has the potential to become a wildfire — endangering property, homes and even lives, according to Jim Karels, state forester for the Florida Forest Service.

If you plan to visit forests or parks over the holiday weekend, you should call ahead to find out if campfires are permitted. Campfires might be restricted in some areas until the fire danger decreases, according to the Florida Dept. of Agriculture.

The Florida Forest Service is encouraging citizens to follow several fire safety tips for safe celebrating over the holiday weekend:

• Dispose of charcoal briquettes properly
• Use dedicated campfire rings where possible
• Clear vegetation and dry debris down to bare soil within 10 feet around your campfire
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Make sure a fire is dead out before leaving
• Take care when operating equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors, chainsaws, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as any spark can start a wildfire under the current conditions.
• Avoid parking cars in areas with tall grasses. A hot catalytic converter can easily ignite dry grass and debris.
• Report wildfires by calling 9-1-1 or a local Florida Forest Service office.

More information about Brooker Creek Preserve