DAVENPORT, Fla. — After weeks without meaningful rainfall, the dry conditions and strong winds are fueling brush fires across our region.
Crews are responding to hotspots across Hillsborough, Polk, and surrounding counties.
WATCH: Davenport brush fire damages structures as dry, windy conditions spark fires across Tampa Bay region
The Hillsborough County fire officials said they responded to 14 brush fires on Sunday, and the 350-acre brush fire in Wimauma was the largest. No injuries were reported.
In the area near Frostproof off Highway 630 and State Road 60, Polk County fire crews responded to a brush fire that grew to about 400 acres. The Florida Forest is now the lead agency working to contain the flames.
In Davenport, a nearly 70-acre brush fire near the Osceola-Polk County line has damaged at least four non-dwelling structures, according to Polk County Fire Rescue officials. And no injuries have been reported.
"With no rain and everything else, it’s just any little spark is becoming a tinderbox," said Joe Calvano, a Davenport resident.
Officials said the fire is more than 80 % contained, but crews remain on scene working to extinguish lingering hot spots.
Departments from Davenport and Haines City, the Florida Forest Service, and Orange County Fire Rescue are all assisting.
That response has prompted multiple road closures in the area.
"I have to turn around - it’s going to take me a good hour and 25 minutes just to get back to St. Cloud," said Calvano. "It's an inconvenience, but it could be worse."
Further north, in Volusia and Marion counties, I-95 was shut down in both directions after a vehicle fire sparked a wildfire along the highway.
Now, many residents are simply hoping for some rain.
"We need it though - that’s the bottom line - is we need it."
Polk County and several other counties in the greater Tampa Bay area have an emergency burn ban in place due to dangerously dry conditions. Residents are asked to remain cautious and comply with all restrictions while fire crews continue their work in the area.
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