One person dead in Wimauma brush fire

WIMAUMA (FOX 13) - A deadly brush fire in Wimauma continues to burn through Friday morning in an area with a lack of fire hydrants.

The campfire smell lingered after sunrise on Friday, as firefighters from multiple agencies remain on Bonita Drive to fight the fire, fueled by wind. There is no word on the amount of burning acres, or how much of the fire has been contained.

Hillsborough County deputies identified 87-year-old Donald Wright as the victim during the fire, and they do not suspect any foul play. Three other adults escaped the fire.

Fire officials say they found his body after responding to a reported structure fire before 8 p.m. Thursday. When they arrived, the fire had quickly spread to multiple structures and an RV, firefighters say, and continued to travel into nearby brush and trees. 

The area is rural and without fire hydrants. Two tankers from Manatee County Fire Rescue arrived to assist, and Florida Forest Service responded with a plow to cut a line through the thick brush. 

Neighbors tell FOX 13 they heard an explosion before black smoke filled the air. On Friday, before 5 a.m., a hot spot flared up, but appears to be under control. Extra fire trucks began clearing the scene.