RIVER RANCH, Fla. — The wildfire at the River Ranch Complex in Polk County is entering the mop-up phase.
The fire that started June 5 has a 90% containment of one portion and 75% containment of the other, the Florida Forest Service said in a news release Sunday. Crews said the containment lines are holding, and personnel are mopping up hot spots to combat any flare-ups.
The total acreage burned near the complex is 4,500, according to crews. As of Sunday, the service had 6 tractor/plow units, 3 heavy tractors, 7 brush trucks and 10 support personnel on the fire, which is less than before.
The Department of Agriculture Law enforcement started an investigation into the cause on Saturday, but it might take several weeks before they release their findings.
Officials are urging drivers in the River Ranch and Indian Lake Estates area to use caution because of changing smoke conditions. County Road 630 is open to local traffic only between Walk in the Water Road and Highway 60. Roadways could be shut down in the evenings depending on smoke conditions, the release said.
The forest service is also asking people to be careful with any outdoor activities that can spark a fire such as welding and grinding or activities involving an open flame.
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.