Bonita Springs fire chief warns of hot spots as crews mop up 76-acre blaze

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — WINK News is on fire watch again as crews work to fully contain a pair of brush fires that sparked Monday afternoon.

The fires are mostly contained now, but firefighters aren't taking any chances. WINK News reporter Bridget Bruchalski was at the scene as crews conducted mop-up operations.

The fires started Monday afternoon when a quick storm moved through, and lightning likely sparked the blazes, according to fire officials. The larger fire near Radio Tower Road grew to about 70 acres, while another fire north and east of that location burned about five acres.

Bonita Springs Fire Control Chief Greg DeWitt said the dry grass and ongoing drought allowed the fire to move quickly. Crews also had a nursery nearby with about a dozen workers, so one of their biggest priorities was keeping the flames from reaching that property.

The fire also damaged several power poles. Chief DeWitt said FPL has already been out to check the damage, but because there's only one road in and out, the utility crews are waiting until firefighters say it's safe to come in and make the repairs.

"There's still hot spots that are all mostly in the burned area, so we're not worried about it creeping out or starting another one again," Chief DeWitt said. "If the wind cooperates and we get a good jump on it this morning before the winds and these afternoon storms come in, hopefully even put a knock on it and keep everybody safe."

Chief DeWitt said three crews were out monitoring conditions with the Florida Forest Service. At last check, the two fires have burned 76 acres combined, and both are at least 95% contained per Florida Forestry.