Weeki Wachee brushfire threatens homes

RON THOMPSON | Times
A Division of Forestry tractor diggs a firebreak around a Weeki Wachee home to protect it from a brushfire.

WEEKI WACHEE -- About 15 homes were voluntarily evacuated Friday afternoon while a brush fire scorched dry forest area near the Weeki Wachee Preserve.

Four homes were immediately threatened by the blaze, but all were saved. One home, built a little more than one year ago, received minor smoke damage. A small shed caught on fire, but it's still standing.

Authorities say they've been able to contain the blaze, but as winds shift they are concerned that ashes could spread to other areas. Hernando County Fire Rescue and the Department of Forestry were working together on the blaze -- Hernando County protected the homes while Forestry attacked the flames.

The fire was estimated between six and seven acres in size.

Authorities with Hernando County Fire Rescue said they are investigating the cause of the fire, but they think it's suspicious.