POLK COUNTY -- A brush fire spanning thousands of acres that forced the evacuation of at least 800 homes near Indian Lake Estates is contained but is not completely put out, according to state authorities.
The Polk County Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service is still engaged in putting out the fire near 7200 Highway 630 E in Frostproof.
Multiple homes and hunting camps were damaged, Authorities and residents are now using daybreak to assess how many were damage.
More than 2,000 acres were burned Wednesday evening and through the night.
10News reporter Shannon Valladolid found one home which is a total loss while reporter Grady Trimble found one home that had exterior damage.
Residents in the Indian Lake Estates were allowed to return to their homes early Thursday. "I’m just thankful I’m still walking," said fire victim Richard Jones. "I can replace that stuff but I can’t replace myself."
Firefighters and law enforcement will remain on the scene to monitor the situation. Officials say rain has helped crews, but the fire has the potential to reignite as Thursday temperatures warm up and humidity goes down.SR-60 is back open and County Road 630 is expected to open later Thursday morning.It is unclear how the fire started. There are no injuries reported with the blaze..
