Wind gusts that were stronger than expected allowed embers to jump fire lines.
By CHASE SQUIRES
Published March 25, 2004
DADE CITY - Plumes of dark smoke, signaling the start of wildfire season, towered above Dade City on Wednesday as a controlled burn in the Green Swamp got out of control.
A combination of low humidity and brisk winds also sparked at least five brush fires in other areas of Pasco County, authorities reported.
State Department of Forestry duty officer Lane Shepherd said a fire set by Southwest Florida Water Management District crews to control underbrush got out of control as it was fanned by a breeze from the east Wednesday afternoon.
By 2 p.m., the smoke rose high above eastern Pasco County and blew over Dade City, blocking the sun with a thick haze.
Shepherd said the fire spread to about 250 acres before crews were able to get it largely under control. No structures were in danger.
"It was going pretty good for a while," he said.
Swiftmud spokesman Michael Molligan said controlled burns help clear out accumulated underbrush to prevent catastrophic wildfires, and the burns promote plant and wildlife diversity by allowing room for new growth. He said wind gusts exceeded predictions Wednesday and allowed embers to jump fire lines.
Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Chris Alland said five small fast-moving brush fires were reported in west and central pasco, including a fire near Dalberg Drive near Spring Hill and another fire near Gowers Corner.
Alland said the fires were controlled, with the help of Department of Forestry crews, without spreading. But he said wind created a problem Wednesday.
The National Weather Service reported steady winds of 13 mph out of the northeast throughout the day, with gusts in some places around the Tampa Bay area at more than 20 mph.
Shepherd said the spring wildfire season is under way. Forestry officials declared a high fire danger in the area and predicted reduced rainfall for the next three months.
A ban on outdoor burning has not been enacted, but Shepherd said anyone planning to burn must obtain a Forestry permit and should use extreme care.
