LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Florida Forest Service in Lakeland said a wildfire that started at River Ranch Park in Lake Wales on Tuesday is 100% contained.
On Wednesday afternoon, the forest service said the main gate to the park is now open for property owners and the fire is fully contained.
According to the forest service, when the fire started, it was 125 acres in size. It doubled within 40 minutes.
As of 8 a.m., Wednesday, the fire had grown to about 1,000 acres. Officials estimate that more than 200 outbuildings at the park have been destroyed.
According to FFS Lakeland, the outbuildings or "camps" are sheds and mobile homes that people use as camps for hunting.
FFS Lakeland said the cause is under investigation, and no injuries have been reported. Officials will improve fire lines on Wednesday.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) sent out an advisory to everyone in the area warning them about the health effects of wildlife smoke exposure. Symptoms can include scratchy throat and irritated eyes or nose. DOH-Polk said smoke can also worsen asthma and other chronic lung or heart conditions.
DOH-Polk said to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and keep indoor air as clean as possible to protect yourself from the smoke.
Officials from Lakeland, Orlando, and Okeechobee districts all worked on the fire. Polk Fire also assisted.
