Polk County Fire Rescue and law enforcement continue to monitor the ongoing brush fire situation at Indian Lakes Estates.  For the latest updates, see below:

7:12 p.m.: From Polk County Fire Rescue's Facebook page:

"The brush fire in Indian Lake Estates continues to burn and firefighters and law enforcement will stay on scene overnight to monitor the situation. Rain has helped, but the threat is not over. The fire has the potential to reignite as the day heats up Thursday and humidity lowers.

The Indian Lake Estates evacuation order will remain in effect overnight and residents are not allowed to return to their homes. Individuals seeking overnight shelter are asked to go to the First Presbyterian Church, located at 16 N 3rd St, Lake Wales, 33853.

Residents can also call the Citizens’ Information Line on 863-401-2234 or toll free at (866) 661-0228.

Polk County Fire Rescue crews will begin damage assessment Thursday morning."

5 p.m.: Authorities aren't sure how the fire started, but issued a warning to residents who don't evacuate.

"You stay at your own risk," said Polk County Fire Chief Tony Stravino.

The fire isn't under control, and the wind is making it "very difficult" to manage. About 1,500-1,600 acres were burned.

4 p.m.: Evacuations have also been issued in River Ranch, an unincorporated community in far eastern Polk County.

3:35 p.m.: The fire has grown and spreads across hundreds of acres.

Authorities confirm that one home has been damaged by fire. A few animals have been injured.

Florida Forest Service has six bulldozers on the scene, with three more on the way.

Evacuation order for ALL Indian Lake Estates residents has been issued and Polk County Sheriff's Office is on scene to assist in getting their cooperation.

The entire community consists of 800 homes and 8,000 lots.

Several brush fires were burning Wednesday afternoon across Central Florida.

 

PREVIOUS STORY: Evacuations have been ordered in a Frostproof neighborhood due to a brush fire. 

  • Brush fire near Indian Lake Estates in Frostproof
  • Polk County Fire Rescue, other crews responding to fire, smoke in area
  • Evacuation order issued for homes near fire
  • WEATHER BLOG: Brush fire season

Polk County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are currently battling a large brush fire in the Indian Lake Estates area. 

The fire is in the area of 7200 Highway 630 East. The highway was shut down as crews battled the blaze.

 

The Florida Forest Service has issued an evacuation order. Several homes are in danger. 

Reverse 911 is being used to contact residents who live in the affected area.  

This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available. 

Interactive map: Brush fire locations