RUSKIN, Fla. — Crews from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue are working to put out a large brush fire in the Ruskin area.
The fire is burning near Bayou Drive South and Sawgrass Lane.
Stephens Road just north of Ranch Road was closed for several hours Friday, leaving hundreds stuck in their cars waiting to go home.
"It's frustrating because they won't let us in and look to see if any of our houses are ok, we don't know," said one nearby homeowner.
Many worried without answers, not knowing if their property and pets were ok.
"Just important documents and, you know, the cat," said Miracle Dotson. "Everything else is replaceable, but animals, it's family."
Shifting winds caused crews to increase efforts, as winds switched directions and caused a second, 2-acre brush fire.
Two homes were right in the fire's path, but Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service crews quickly diverted the blaze away.
No word what started the fire.
The fire grew to 15 acres and is now 90% contained.
Crews are expected to monitor hot spots over the next few days.
Stephens Road just north of Ranch Rd is closed due to a brush fire. @HillsFireRescue is on scene. HCSO is a assisting with aerial firefighting using our helicopter and the Bambi Bucket. pic.twitter.com/2axi8r6ihR
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) April 6, 2018
