SUNDAY UPDATE: Per the Florida Forest Service, the brush fire near Lake Lizzie is now 100% contained. Forest Service personnel remain on scene; there is no risk to structures at this time.
Please note that smoke and hazy conditions may persist as interior hot spots within the containment zone continue to burn out. Use caution when driving, as visibility may be impacted, but all roads are now open. The Lake Lizzie Conservation Area remains closed to the public at this time.
SATURDAY: Officials from Osceola County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service have been responding to a pair of brush fires in the Lake Lizzie and Bass Road area of Osceola County east of the city of St. Cloud and have them 85% percent contained.
While the fires are currently not affecting any structures, Old Melbourne Highway is closed at U.S. Highway 192 and the Lake Lizzie Conservation Area is closed to the public. OSCFR officials say smoky and hazy conditions persist in the area, especially since rainfall fell on the fire on Saturday.
Officials say they think lightning from a nearby storm spark the fires Friday night.
Florida Forest Service personnel worked to extend containment lines throughout Saturday to keep nearby homes free from harm. Residents are asked to call 911 if they see thick chimneys of smoke, or burning flames.
A burn ban that went into effect last week in Osceola County remains in effect due to ongoing dry conditions, the threat of windy weather and lightning and the wildfire risk. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including fire pits, trash burning, ground-based burning and fireworks. Above-ground charcoal, gas and electric grilling is still permitted with precautions to prevent spreading of fire. The ban is eligible to be lifted once conditions improve, such as the county's Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) figure dropping below 500, for seven straight days. Thanks to Friday's rain, the county-wide figure Saturday dropped 20 points to 471, but 89% of the county is at a drought figure between 450-600 on the 1-800 scale.
