Brooker Preserve Remains Closed As Crews Fight Wildfire

TARPON SPRINGS, FL -- The Brooker Creek Preserve remains closed as fire crews continue to battle the wildfire that started Monday in a remote, swampy area of the preserve at 3940 Keystone Road.

Forest Service officials say the fire is slow moving and now encompasses about 30 acres. Smoke is visible in the surrounding area. The Pinellas County’s Air Quality division will issue an advisory to Tarpon Springs and East Lake residents if conditions deteriorate from the current “moderate” range.

The good news is about 70 percent of the fire is contained and no homes are threatened.

Bulldozers were brought in to clear away some brush so crews could get access to the fire and fire crews have created fire lines to keep the flames from spreading.

Brooker Creek will remain closed until further notice because the fire has impacted some trails on the preserve.