VENICE, Fla. – Firefighters are continuing to battle a brush fire in Sarasota County that has grown to 41 acres and prompted the evacuation of 10 nearby homes in the Stoneybrook at Venice neighborhood, according to Sarasota County Fire Department officials.
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Brush fire near Venice
The backstory:
The Sarasota County Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the 12000 block of Tempest Harbor Loop on Friday.
Officials said the call came in shortly before 11:30 a.m., and firefighters began putting water on the fire around 11:34 a.m.
The Florida Forest Service is also assisting with the response.
Current fire conditions
What we know:
As of 1:38 p.m., the fire had burned approximately 41 acres and was 50% contained.
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An FFS helicopter was on scene preparing aerial water drops to slow the fire’s spread and help crews contain the blaze.
Firefighters remain actively working in the area.
Evacuations ordered
Dig deeper:
Officials said 10 homes have been evacuated as a precaution due to the fire.
At this time, no injuries have been reported and no one has been transported for medical treatment, according to SCFD.
Officials also said there have been no reports of damage to any homes or structures.
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Cause under investigation
What we don’t know:
The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
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