BARTOW, Fla. – Firefighters on Thursday continue to battle brush fires, a day after 27 fires broke out across Central Florida.
Hundreds of residents are back in their homes after fire crews contained a brush fire spread over 2,000 acres in Polk County.
The fire broke out near Indian Lake Estates on Wednesday afternoon. That's when officials started knocking on some 800 doors, telling residents they should evacuate for their safety.
Polk County spokesman Kevin Watler said in an email sent early Thursday that residents have been allowed to return to their homes but State Road 60 and County Road 630 remain closed because of the fire.
Fire Chief Tony Stravino said some people chose to stay in their homes, but most left.
Watler said at least one house was destroyed by the fire.
Fast-moving thunderstorms brought strong wind gusts into the area, causing problems for firefighters battling the blazes.
In Flagler County, smoke concerns prompted officials to close State Road 11 at Cody's Corner in Bunnell. Firefighters said more than 435 acres burned on both sides of the roadway.
Florida Forest Service said Thursday the fire was started by power lines.
Cause of #EastBimini Fire determine to be power lines. @FLForestService @FlaglerEM
— FFS Bunnell (@FFS_Bunnell) February 16, 2017
As of Wednesday night, the forest service reported the fire as 60 percent contained. Officials are urging drivers to be cautious Thursday as a large portion of the county is expected to be impacted by smoke.
[PHOTOS: Large Polk County brush fire]
Brush fires have also sparked in Brevard, Flagler and Seminole counties.
Brush fire in Polk county. High winds helping to spread the smoke plume. #News6 pic.twitter.com/kiXHtvcL00
— Tom Sorrells (@tomsorrells) February 15, 2017
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