Watch as Fox 4's Anvar Ruziev takes you to the scene of where the crews battled the flames:
UPDATE 9:40 p.m.:
Power was fully restored in Montura Ranch Estates following a brush fire that burned three acres earlier Wednesday
Chief Amy Stafford from Hendry County Public Safety says the fire began around 12:30 p.m. and quickly spread, prompting evacuations due to smoke and safety concerns. Firefighters on scene said one of the properties had over 500 tires burning. The exact cause remains under investigation.
"This fire was started at a property, what appears to be, either illegal burn or working in the backyard. It moved to adjacent properties," Stafford explained.
While the fire is now fully contained, officials are urging residents to adhere strictly to the current burn ban, citing extremely dry conditions that can easily fuel flames.
"Please do not burn. Those are there for a reason," said Stafford. "Even if we get a small little rain shower, it's not going to fix how dry we are. So please, please adhere to the burn ban."
UPDATE 6:30 p.m.:
Power is back on to all but three customers in the affected area, according to Glades Electric Cooperative.
UPDATE 5:06 p.m.:
The Florida Forest Service says the fire is 100% contained.
UPDATE 4:03 p.m.:
The Florida Forest Service says the fire is still at three acres, but it's now 80% contained.
Hendry County deputies say if you saw a large plume of black smoke, it came from a pile of tires dumped in the area.
Glades Electric Cooperative says nearly 2,000 people have no power.
UPDATE 2:54 p.m.:
The Hendry County School District says parents should expect significant bus delays due to the fire.
"We strongly recommend that if you have an alternative means of transportation for your student(s), you consider utilizing it to avoid significant wait times," the district posted on social media. "We understand this situation may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these unforeseen circumstances. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we are working to transport them as efficiently and safely as possible given the road closures. "
ORIGINAL STORY:
Homes are under evacuation in Montura Ranch Estates in Hendry County because of a brush fire. Power has also been shut down in the area.
If you live between North Cabbage Palm at Horse Club and west to North Utopia Street, you need to evacuate.
Additionally, if you live on Camino Real Boulevard at North Utopia Street and east to North Cabbage Palm, you're also under evacuation.
The evacuations are roughly a three-block radius.
Hendry County deputies are helping with road closures. They tell Fox 4 multiple agencies are at the scene including Clewiston, LaBelle and Montura Ranch fire departments. Collier County is sending a helicopter to help fight the fire.
The Florida Forest Service says three acres have burned and it's 50% contained.
Fox 4 has a crew headed to the area. We are working to learn more information.
