Seminole Brush Fire Still Smoking, Officials Say

A brush fire near Osceola High School in Seminole continued to smolder Tuesday morning, prompting officials to warn motorists of the potential for low visibility.

The first itself broke out Monday night in the area of 102 Avenue and 98th Street. While firefighters managed to contain the blaze to a 4-acre location across from Osceola High School and prevent property damage or endangerment, the blaze was still being monitored Tuesday morning.

“Due to access limitations we are allowing the fire to burn towards fire breaks that are both natural and created by the Florida Division of Forestry,” the Seminole fire department wrote in an email to media. “Passersby may notice spot fires and some small crown fires during this time. Smoke conditions continue to be of concern and residents of the area are urged to stay indoors to avoid the smoke.”

Motorists, too, are warned of the possibility of limited visibility due to smoky conditions.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials say the blaze serves as a reminder for residents to follow local laws for safe burning and that aerial fireworks are illegal in Pinellas County.

“There are many areas of Pinellas that are vulnerable to brush fires,” the email reminded.

Photo courtesy of Seminole Fire Rescue