Firefighters battle 50-acre blaze in Charlotte County, cause unknown

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A 50-acre fire broke out in the area of Gisinger Boulevard, Jennings Boulevard, and Gillot Boulevard in Charlotte County on Friday, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

Eddy Morales, a resident of Pilgrim Street, described the alarming scene.

"I saw all the police, and I saw the smoke when I turned over there, and then I said, What's going on here?" said Morales.

Ashley Turner from Charlotte County Fire and EMS provided insights into the situation.

"At about 1:20 this afternoon, we were dispatched to what was called in as a brush fire on the side of the road, just in this area behind me. And what that ended up turning into is a 50-acre brush fire. It actually ended up being two fires, so 50 acres total," said Turner.

The fire came dangerously close to residential homes, causing concern among residents.

"This is a little unusual here, so it's burning a little uncomfortable too, knowing that it's close to our home," said Morales.

Deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office went door-to-door, warning neighbors to evacuate. Turner explained that many homes were unoccupied due to the time of day.

"A lot of those homes were unoccupied, and I think that's just because of the time of day it was, and people might have been at work or at school," said Turner.

Multiple agencies worked together to contain the blaze, with air support assisting in monitoring and water drops.

"We had air kind of letting us know what they were seeing as they were flying over and dropping water. We had our own command driving around. Sometimes we would have 911 callers calling in," said Turner.

The fire is mostly out, but hot spots may still occur, and no injuries were reported. One shed sustained minor damage. Turner reassured residents about lingering smoke.

"Residents might see some smoke lingering in the area. That's completely normal. They might see some blowing as well around the neighborhood. We will have Charlotte County Fire EMS out tonight and around keeping an eye forestry will as well," said Turner.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials remind the community that Charlotte County is under a burn ban. No open fires, fireworks, or anything that could spark a flame are allowed due to dry conditions.

Turner also reminded residents of the current burn ban in effect.

"We are in a burn ban because it is so dry and so it's so super important, no open burning, no fireworks, no sparklers, no flicking of cigarette butts," said Turner. "I know it was cold and people want bonfires, and it's kind of perfect weather for some of those outdoor fire activities, but this is just not the time."

As the situation develops, WINK News will provide updates on the containment efforts and any changes in conditions.

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