A seemingly routine controlled burn in Plant City, Hillsborough County, escalated into a brush fire that incinerated over a dozen vehicles, several boats, and additional property, officials reported. According to WFLA, the fire initiated off Mary Ivy Drive and transformed rapidly beyond the managing capacity of the homeowner.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the emergency call approximately around 2 p.m. yesterday, as the fire spread, claiming 12 vehicles, six boats, two travel trailers, one semi-trailer, and two detached sheds in its path. Trying to contain the fire, the fire crews worked diligently, as detailed by FOX 13 News, though no injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. The fire seemingly spared no mercy on automotive and nautical vessels alike, proving indifferent to the variety of its fuel.
Caught in the wake of the disaster was Dennis Felton, who witnessed the destruction of his landlord's collection of cars and boats. "He's like, ‘your house is on fire!’" Felton recounted to FOX 13 News about receiving a call from a neighbor amidst the unfolding calamity. A neighbor bravely entered Felton's trailer to rescue his dogs, including Beau, which held sentimental value being "the last thing I have of my dad."
Investigations are ongoing as HCFR looks into whether the homeowner held the necessary permit for the controlled burn, and whether they will face charges for the blaze. Amidst the blackened remnants of material possessions, the fire department advises that permits are essential for conducting controlled burns, as underscored by ABC Action News.
