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Firefighters Continue to Fight Pasco Wildfires

Pasco Campground Fire | Florida Forest Service | Widfires

Officials say they are bringing in more equipment today (April 11) to battle two blazes.

PASCO COUNTY – Officials say they will bring in more equipment today (April 11) to fight two wildfires that began Monday (April 10).

No homes are in immediate danger. And no evacuations are planned although emergency officials say that smoke could be a problem, especially for those with asthma or other breathing problems. Residents should stay alert, keep their windows shut and keep the air conditioner on, said Andy Fossa, deputy fire chief for Pasco Fire Rescue.

Meanwhile, Pasco officials say they plan to ask the County Commission to pass a “burn ban” during Wednesday’s (April 12) meeting. Hernando commissioners are expected to consider a “burn ban” at today’s meeting.

The burn bans come as wildfires are raging across the state. Judith Tear, a spokeswoman for the Florida Forest Service, said she is monitoring 17 wildfires in the the five-county Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Lake and Sumter area.

“We are dry,” Tear said. “It is hot.”

The two Pasco fires are generally located south of State Road 52.

One, known as the “campground fire,” involves about 75 acres in the at the Starkey Wilderness Preserve/Seranova. This fire is about 75 percent contained.

Pasco Silver Palms Fire | Florida Forest Service | WildfiresThe other, called the “silver palms fire,” is close to the Suncoast Lakes Subdivision where there are about 50 homes. It’s about 25 acres and is about 25 percent contained. The swampy terrain makes it difficult to fight the flames because it’s hard to get heavy equipment to the scene, said John DeWolfe, a Florida Forest Service incident commander.

Pasco officials said they would continue to monitor the situation. All agreed there will be a critical time today between about 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the day heats up. That could give the fires a chance to intensify.

For information about the Florida Forest Service, go to freshfromflorida.com.

Main photo shows the camground fire. Second photo shows the silver palms fire area. Both photos courtesy of the Florida Forest Service.

Pasco Fire | Florida Forest Service | Wildfires | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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