A small brush fire and a stuck cherry picker turned a quiet stretch of Spring Hill into an afternoon rescue scene Tuesday, as Hernando County Fire Rescue crews moved in on Lola Drive. County officials said the blaze, estimated at roughly 100 feet by 50 feet, broke out in the 13000 block of Lola Drive, where a tree-trimming worker became trapped in a raised bucket. Authorities temporarily blocked access to the area while firefighters put out the flames and worked to bring the worker down.
HCFR: Fire Size And Rescue Effort
According to Hernando County Fire Rescue on Facebook, crews reported the fire at about 100 by 50 feet and urged drivers and neighbors to steer clear of the 13000 block of Lola Drive while they worked. The post said a USAR (urban search and rescue) team was activated after a tree company worker got stuck in a cherry picker, and HCFR personnel assisted at the scene. Officials did not immediately release any update on the worker's condition in that post.
Burn Ban Still In Place
The response unfolded while Hernando County remains under a burn ban that took effect April 14, 2026, according to Hernando County Fire Rescue. The agency warns that ongoing dry conditions increase the risk of brush fires and strongly discourages open burning and other activities that might ignite vegetation. Local officials say the ban and frequent alerts are meant to keep small fires from turning into dangerous wildfires.
Recent Fires Have Stretched Crews
Firefighters in Hernando County have already had a busy spring. A late-March blaze in the Weeki Wachee Preserve burned about 120–150 acres and briefly triggered evacuation orders, as reported by Spectrum News. That larger fire pulled in Florida Forest Service resources along with multiple county engine crews and highlighted how quickly flames can move through dry scrub.
How Residents Can Stay Safe
Officials continue to ask residents to avoid active scenes, respect road closures, and keep drones away from fire zones because they can interfere with aerial operations, Tampa Bay 28 noted. For updates and non-emergency questions, authorities direct the public to check the county's public-safety channels and HCFR social media posts.
