An Osceola County brush fire that forced the evacuation of an elementary school flared up again Friday afternoon, forcing the closure of a roadway until further notice.
- Fire officials again close road leading to St. Cloud Elementary
- Crews need to run hoses across Budinger Avenue
- 37-acre brush fire forced school's evacuation yesterday
- RELATED: Map of active brush fires in Florida, prevention tips
Budinger Avenue from Progress Lane to St. Cloud Elementary School was shut down because of the fire on Canoe Creek Road.
Parents and guardians of students are being asked to pick up their chilrden at the school's north entrance (the 17th Street side), St. Cloud officials said.
The 37-acre fire was once considered contained but continues to be monitored by fire rescue.
Budinger Ave is officially closed to through traffic. Fire rescuers are connecting to hydrant now. pic.twitter.com/0KmgpGrFNS
— Bailey Myers (@BaileyMyers_) May 19, 2017
St. Cloud, Smell smoke? It's probably this brush fire on Budinger Ave. Fire crews are still on scene. Update on their efforts on @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/rZLdDZFMdq
— Bailey Myers (@BaileyMyers_) May 19, 2017
The brush fire caused St. Cloud Elementary School to evacuate Thursday. About 500 students were forced to leave buildings, and faculty took students to a nearby park, where they could be picked up. Classes are operating normally Friday, but all outdoor activities have been suspended because of smoke, a school spokesperson said.
Authorities say a utility pole snapped and sparked the fire that spread to almost 40 acres before it was contained at about 5 p.m.