Sheriff's Office: Charlotte County brush fire contained

UPDATE: 8:00 p.m.:
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said a large brush fire that forced evacuations in the Gulf Cove area has been extinguished.

The Florida Forest Service said it battled a 50 acre brush fire on Friday, as historically-dry conditions fuel a busy dry season across Southwest Florida.

Charlotte County Fire and EMS said it responded to a report of a brush fire near Gisinger Boulevard just before 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

WFTX

he department immediately started calling in additional units, Charlotte County Fire and EMS spokesperson Ashley Turner said. Firefighters from across Southwest Florida descended on Gulf Cove as the flames spread.

Firefighters used two helicopters and a small plane to battle the fire, which led to evacuations on Jennings Boulevard and Gilot Boulevard.

"This is the exact reason why we have a burn ban in place right now," Turner said.

WFTX

Charlotte County Fire and EMS said no one was injured and no homes were damaged. One shed had some minor damage.

Crews are investigating the cause of the fire.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.:

The Florida Forest Service said the fire has grown to 45 acres.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Evacuations are underway in the Gulf Cove area due to a brush fire spreading quickly.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, anyone who lives between Jennings Boulevard and Gillot Boulevard near Gisinger Boulevard should leave now.

The Florida Forest Service said the fire is roughly 20 acres and is moving fast.

Helicopters with the sheriff's office and the Forest Service are in the area dropping water.

Visibility is also low due to smoke.