First Point fire contained; neighbors discuss ash-filled days

BUCKHEAD RIDGE, Fla. — The First Point Fire is now 100% contained after burning 8,612 acres in the lake bed of Lake Okeechobee. But for neighbors in Buckhead Ridge, the smoke and ash that lingered for days are not something they will soon forget.

“You could see the small plume at first,” Maria Romeo said. “But as the day went on, it just kept growing.”

The wildfire began Thursday afternoon near the lake’s edge. By late afternoon, neighbors say the smell of smoke moved into the area. By nightfall, flames were visible near the rim canal and ash was falling from the sky.

“It did look like snow,” Romeo said. “But when you saw thicker black pieces falling, that’s when it became concerning.”

Neighbors describe closing windows, staying indoors and at times wearing masks as smoke drifted through the neighborhood. Some said they woke up to ash covering their cars, campers and patios.

Denise Ery said the scene felt surreal.

“It felt very surreal, like a disaster movie,” Ery said. “The smoke was quite heavy here. When the ash came, we just couldn’t believe it. We’ve never had anything like this.”

While Friday brought continued smoke as crews worked to contain the fire, neighbors say Saturday was the heaviest day for ash. Even when visible smoke wasn’t as thick, black debris continued falling across the area.

By Sunday, shifting winds carried the smell of smoke back into the community once again.

“There were certain times you really just couldn’t be outside,” Romeo said. “The smell was a lot.”

Both neighbors said they trusted firefighters who reassured them that homes were not in danger. Still, the experience sparked new conversations.

“It definitely made me think about things I hadn’t thought about before,” Romeo said, explaining that neighbors discussed escape plans and what they would do if the fire moved closer.

The Florida Forest Service says the fire is fully contained, and no homes were damaged. The cause remains under investigation.

For many in Buckhead Ridge, Monday brought relief,  the first day in several days they felt comfortable opening windows and enjoying fresh air again.

But the sight of flames and ash falling like snow is something neighbors say they won’t forget anytime soon.