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

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

The backstory:

The massive, fast-moving fire forced a mandatory evacuation for homes and businesses near Hernando Beach 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 breezy conditions made the situation more dangerous, pushing flames toward businesses along Shoal Line Boulevard.

PREVIOUS: Evacuation order lifted in Hernando County area following brush fire: HCFR

By Monday morning, crews were still seeing smoke along the main roadway, but the scene appeared far less threatening than Sunday night, when firefighters shut down the road and evacuated nearby businesses.

Hernando County Fire Chief Nick Hasenmeier said multiple businesses were at risk as embers spread across the area.

"Embers and fire were jumping around over from the preserve. We had numerous spot fires," explained Hasenmeier. "There were definitely a lot of businesses threatened."

Officials credit a strong response from Hernando County, Florida Forest Service, and Pasco County fire crews for preventing major losses. No homes were threatened, but several commercial buildings were in danger during the height of the fire.

Why you should care:

Pasco County brush fire

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 responded to a separate brush fire Sunday on Tyndall Road in San Antonio. Crews say the 10-acre fire appears to have started after an illegal burn got out of control.

Officials say the fire destroyed several campers and mobile homes and damaged the main home on the property. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

Authorities issued a citation to the person responsible for starting the illegal burn.

Burn bans across the Bay Area

Fire officials say increased humidity and reduced wind speeds should help mitigate wildfire risk, but an ongoing drought has left many parts of Florida susceptible to quickly spreading fires.

Most Tampa Bay Area counties currently have burn bans in place. Officials urge residents to check with their local fire department or county government before burning yard debris.