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published: Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Quick work contains dangerous brush fire

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- A quick response and teamwork among six fire departments kept a brush fire from becoming a major disaster Monday afternoon as it threatened houses along Josephine Street.

More than three acres of empty lot were involved, primarily because of four large piles of cut brush that were dried out and made excellent tinder.

The Sebring, West Sebring Volunteer, DeSoto Volunteer, Lorida, Avon Park, and Highlands County fire departments were able to contain the blaze, which was throwing up 30-foot flames at the time firefighters arrived.

Tankers were needed to provide enough water.

The Division of Forestry also sent two bulldozers to help build a fire line, although only one was used.

"The men were awesome," said Sebring Fire Chief Brad Batz. "They fought their hearts out making sure no one lost their home."

The wind was a factor, pushing the flames in the direction of Josephine Street. Families were evacuated and automobiles moved as a safety precaution.

At its worst the fire was only about 100 feet from the nearest house.

Because the heavy equipment was too big to work behind the houses, the fire departments created a wet line to prevent the fire from spreading.

The wind tended to shift and at one point embers crossed Highlands Boulevard and a small spot fire had to be suppressed by the railroad tracks.

Highlands Boulevard was closed to traffic during the fire.

The Division of Forestry will be conducting the investigation.