Evacuation order lifted after 300-acre brush fire burns in Highlands County

The evacuation order in Highlands County has been lifted after about 175 structures were asked to evacuate as firefighters worked to contain a brush fire that started Tuesday afternoon.

Fire officials in Highlands County say they have the brush fire about 90% contained, and no one was injured. The 300-acre fire off of Bluebird Avenue in south Sebring threatened three homes, and two were affected. 

Courtesy: Highlands County Fire Rescue

Courtesy: Highlands County Fire Rescue

The evacuation area surrounding the fire covered Henscratch Road East to Durrance Road and Lake Josephine Road South to Bluebird Avenue, according to crews. 

READ: Hillsborough County firefighters respond to house fire on Nebraska Avenue

Firefighters said they found multiple structures on fire, including several outbuildings. 

Courtesy: Highlands County Fire Rescue

Courtesy: Highlands County Fire Rescue

Another fire sparked up in Hillsborough County on Tuesday night. Tampa Fire Rescue responded to the blaze in Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park where fire crews saw smoke and flames in the park from Morris Bridge Road.

That brush fire stretched for about a quarter of a mile and was under control in about two hours. It is 90% contained at this point. 

The Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center opened up for residents under the evacuation order in that area, according to officials. The Red Cross and Highlands County staff are at the center, which is located at 4509 George Boulevard in Sebring, helping evacuees. 

Courtesy: Highlands County.

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