RIVER RANCH, Fla. — Florida Forest Service crews and other agencies are continuing to battle the wildfire at the River Ranch Complex in Polk County.
At this time, there is 90% containment of one portion and 75% containment of the other, the Forest Service said in a news release Saturday afternoon. The total acreage burned near the complex is still 4,500, according to crews.
Two firefighters were injured and treated for smoke inhalation before returning to work, the agency said on Friday.
Thursday night's rainfall and containment lines set up by crews reportedly helped improve containment of the fire. The Florida Forest Service has eight tractor/plow units, three heavy tractors, eight brush trucks and approximately 10 support personnel on the fire, the Forest Service said.
In addition, investigators have begun looking into the cause of the brush fire. In the meantime, crews say the gate to the River Ranch Hunt Club has reopened and that County Road 630 is open to local traffic only at this time.
"The Florida Forest Service is still asking people to be extremely cautious with any outdoor activities involving an open flame, or activities that cause sparks (welding, grinding, etc.)," officials said in a statement. "We have received some rainfall but not enough to make a difference with the fire danger."
A burn ban has been in effect in Polk County since May 28.
More information on wildfire prevention from the Florida Forest Service can be found here. In addition, for more information on other brush fires in the Florida region, check out the Forest Service's Fire Management Information System Mapping Tool.