Wildfire — Polk, Florida

2017-02-15 to 2017-02-18 · Polk, Florida

Event narrative

A wildfire started on the 15th, and quickly spread due to dry conditions and breezy winds. The fire caused 500 homes to be evacuated on the evening of the 15th, and Highways 630 and 60 were temporarily closed. The fire eventually burned 5500 acres around Indian Lake Estates and River Ranch Hunt Club in southeastern Polk County. Polk County Fire Rescue reported that 10 mobile homes, 2 single family homes, and more than 100 camp structures and outbuildings were destroyed by the fire.

Wider weather episode

Dry conditions and breezy winds allowed a wildfire to spread through southeastern Polk County, destroying numerous homes and outbuildings.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 672652. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.