BARTOW, FL — February 10th — A vegetation fire off County Road 640 and County Road 555 was responded to by the Florida Forest Service, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Bartow Fire Department. In a grassy disused mine pit, crews discovered a rapidly spreading fire and promptly started suppression efforts. While forestry crews assisted with fire control efforts, brush units and water tenders attempted to keep the fire contained.

The fire had destroyed roughly 190 acres of grass and woodland area. One gooseneck trailer was destroyed, but no houses were in danger. There were no reported injuries. In order to safeguard drivers and assist with fire activities, parts of County Roads 640 and 555 were closed. The cause of the fire is still being looked into.