HIGHLAND COUNTY, Fla. — A large brush fire in Highlands County has closed roads and prompted the evacuation of homes in the area.
Highlands County Fire Rescue evacuated homes in the area from Paso Fino Drive to Northern Boulevard and Durrance Road to Henscratch Road due to a brush fire off of Bluebird Avenue.
HCFR opened a shelter point area at The Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center at 4509 George Blvd. in Sebring.
The shelter closed at 10 p.m. and the evacuation order was lifted 25 minutes later.
HCFR says the fire is under control and crews will remain on-site to monitor and to continue addressing hot spots.
Due to the fire, they have evacuated 175 structures.
A disabled veteran bought solar panels to reduce energy costs, but he could lose his home after learning that the financing he thought he was approved for fell through. The I-Team is digging into how the homeowner applied for a loan that wasn’t even available in his county and who stands to benefit.
