Highlands County officials lift evacuation order after brush fire

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in a section of Highlands County were allowed to return home Tuesday night after being evacuated earlier due to a brush fire near Bluebird Avenue.

By 9:30 p.m., the 300-acre fire was under control and crews will remain to address hotspots, according to fire officials.

Homes from Paso Fino Drive to Northern Boulevard were evacuated, as were homes from Northern Boulevard to Durrance Road. The evacuation zone was later expanded to Grand Concourse.

Those who were ordered to evacuate were told to shelter at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center on George Boulevard in Sebring, according to Highlands County Fire Rescue. The shelter closed at 10 p.m.

About 175 homes were affected by the evacuation order, according to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

Fire officials said there is about a 700-acre “area of concern.” No homes were burned, but one or two homes had minor damage. Officials initially said three homes were affected.

A vehicle, utility trailer and multiple outbuildings were also destroyed.

Community members are asked to avoid the area.

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