Massive brush fire in Hernando County still burning, evacuation order lifted overnight

Crews still fighting Hernando County brush fire

A massive brush fire in Hernando County is still burning on Monday morning. Parts of the Tampa Bay Area are still under a burn ban. FOX 13's Kellie Cowan reports.

HERNANDO BEACH, Fla. - A brush fire broke out in Hernando Beach on Sunday, and it is still burning as of Monday morning.

The massive, fast-moving fire forced a mandatory evacuation for homes and businesses near Shoal Line Blvd on Sunday, but that evacuation order was lifted overnight. As of 6:47 a.m. on Monday, the fire is 40% contained, and is currently estimated at 120 acres in total. The fire has not spread to any structures and there have been no injuries reported. 

Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center and Hernando County Fire Rescue are still on scene. Officials say the wildfire is still active and there is visible smoke along Shoal Line Blvd.

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Authorities are advising drivers to use caution on Shoal Line Blvd.

It's been a long fire season in Florida. A prolonged drought has turned forests, fields and yards into kindling and small fires are quickly becoming out of hand. That led to a number of citations for people who violate local burn restrictions.

Pasco County firefighters reminded residents that the county remains under a strict burn ban following a brush fire sparked by an unauthorized burn on Saturday.

Most Bay Area counties have burn bans in place due to the prolonged drought.