Brooksville brush fires investigated as arson

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Fire officials are calling the brush fire that burned through three acres in Hernando County arson.

They're offering a cash reward to anyone that can help catch those responsible.

Neighbors slowly returned to the area to survey the damage.

“The fire was just right in front of us and we were just trying to keep it from coming any closer,” said homeowner Jan Summers.

The wind was a big concern for fighters as they worked to keep the flames from spreading. Homeowners in the area wet their lawns with sprinklers Saturday morning as the wind stoked the leftover hot spots, bringing up more flames.

“The fire was right in front of us and we were just trying to keep it from coming any closer and when the firemen came, the tractors were just plowing things down and it was like a war scene is what it felt like,” Summers said.

Hernando County fire officials believe the flames may not have sparked accidentally. 

Investigators are looking for a potential arsonist and are offering a $1,000 reward for information that can lead to an arrest.

Summers says she doesn't understand why someone would cause this much devastation.

“Why would you want to ruin God's country like this and destroy homes? What's the reason?” she wondered.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is handling the arson investigation.