Several acres were still burning Wednesday on Egmont Key after wildlife officials said lightning sparked a massive fire.

  • Residents say fire originated from lightning strike
  • Nearly 80 acres burned
  • No injuries reported, crews remain at scene.

Aerial views from Sky 9 showed smoke billowing out from the state park. Flames from hot spots and flare ups could be seen through parts of the burnt-out forest.

Officials with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the extreme heat and changing winds made it challenging for crews to fight the flames.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Management tweeted just after 5 p.m. Wednesday that the fire was about 75 percent contained. It has burned about 79 acres.

Officials said no structures have been damaged, and wildlife in the area seem to be safe. There is a large gopher tortoise population and bird sanctuary on Egmont Key.

The island has no human residents, and can only be reached by boat or ferry.

The park is still closed to the public until further notice. Crews will remain on scene monitoring the fire.