Odessa brush fire now 90% contained

ODESSA (FOX 13) - Pasco County firefighters and the Florida Forest Service are battling a brush fire in the Odessa area.

Officials said the fire broke out shortly before 10:30 a.m. in the area of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway at a nearby mulch business.

As of early afternoon, the brush fire was approximately 70 acres in size but is now 90% contained. 

Crews had to evacuate 500 people from the Starkey Wilderness Park as a precaution. There's also a flight restriction currently in place over the fire.

The park will will open and resume normal operating hours on Monday morning. 

Officials said dry conditions and wind caused the fire to spread rapidly Sunday afternoon. 

Pasco County Emergency Services Director Kevin Gurthrie says smoke could be the big issue tomorrow morning. 

"We are putting up signs along 54 because we do believe that were going to have the smoke laid down tonight. Maybe create a problem for early morning commuters."