Prescribed Fire in Oscar Scherer State Park Gets Loose

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSFirefighters burn out to control the Fire.

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSSarasota County Sheriffs Helicopter works the Fire

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSForestry Tractor Plow Unit works putting in control line.

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSFighting Fire with Fire

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSPatroling the line

Photo by CIRONE PHOTOSEnroute to the Fire
NOKOMIS, FL - On February 13th, firefighters at the Oscar Scherer State Park were conducting a prescribed fire, with a 40 block to be burned, when the afternoon winds picked up and took the fire out of its control area. The state park requested Mutual Aid as the fire grew rapidly with the help of the wind. Nokomis and Sarasota Fire Departments, along with the Sarasota County Burn Team and the Florida State Forestry assisted. The fire threatened structures for a short while and also impacted travel on Interstate 75. The fire was brought under control just before dark that night. A total of 189-acres burned.