Florida Forest Service has released a River Ranch Complex Fire Update for 6/10/24:
“Florida Forest Service still improving containment lines on the River Ranch Complex Fire
Fire activity on the River Ranch Complex Fire continues to hamper containment efforts. Division A is still reporting 90% containment of their portion of the fire and Division B is still reporting 75% containment. Personnel are still battling minor flare-ups in Division B due to dry conditions and fuel loading. The Florida Forest Service will have 6 tractor/plow units, 3 heavy tractors, 7 brush trucks, and approximately 8 support personnel on the fire today. The two Task Force units are still committed to the fire. Even with the fire activity, the acreage remains at approximately 4,500 acres.
The Department of Agriculture Law’s investigation into the cause is continuing. Due to the size of the fire, this may take several weeks before they release their findings.
Drivers in the River Ranch/Indian Lakes Estates area should use caution in this area due to changing smoke conditions. CR 630 is open to local traffic only between Walk in the Water Road and HWY 60. Roadways may be shut down in the evenings depending on smoke conditions.
The Florida Forest Service is still asking people to be extremely cautious with any outdoor activities involving an open flame, or activities that cause sparks (welding, grinding, etc.) We have received some rainfall but not enough to make a difference with the fire danger. We need to receive substantial, widespread rainfall to reduce the fire danger in the area. You can visit our website BeWildfireReadyFl.com for additional wildfire safety information.
This will be the last update for today (6/10/24) unless there are significant changes. The next update will be tomorrow afternoon.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.”
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Initial morning report below:
Crews are still on scene in the River Ranch area battling fires today (June 10).
Florida Forest Service Spokesperson has confirmed that Division A as of yesterday was sitting at 90% containment and Division B was sitting at 75% containment. He expects the numbers are about the same today as far as containment.
Over the weekend, there have been some areas that were still flaring up (south end of the fire and toward the west side of the fire). Crews were contending these flare ups over the weekend. Other than these two areas, everything else seems to be holding up well as far as containment goes.
Battling the blazes today are:
-8 tractor plow units
-3 heavy dozers
-8 brush trucks
-8-10 ground support
The good news is that the acres the fire has spread across is staying around 4500, so acreage is stagnant, while containment percentages are rising.
Most roadways are open; however CR 630 between 60 and Walk in Water Road is open to local traffic only. Please adhere to these restrictions and only drive through the area if you are local.
No further injuries have been reported other than the two firefighters who were treated last week for smoke inhalation.
