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Hernando Today

Smoky Conditions Could Continue Through Week

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: March 23, 2009

RIDGE MANOR - Smoky conditions in Hernando County could continue through the end of the week as a 640-acre forest fire burns itself out.

The fire was reported around noon Sunday in the Withlacoochee State Forest, near the Richloam Clay Sink area. Heavy underbrush fueled the flames to its current size, which is triangle-shaped with a roughly one-mile perimeter, said Don Ruths, spokesman with state Division of Forestry.

Ruths estimated the fire to be "20 to 30 percent contained" on Monday afternoon.

There are no homes in danger, though there was a voluntary evacuation that has since been rescinded.

The idea at this point is to contain the blaze and let it burn itself out over the next several days; the remains could be smoldering for up to two weeks. Nine state forestry agents are tending to the fire now, with Hernando County Fire Rescue on standby.

Heavy smoke prompted the closure of State Road 50 from the intersection of U.S. 301 to the Sumter County line overnight on Sunday, but has since re-opened. Still, the Florida Highway Patrol urges caution when driving in smoky areas.

A light rain fell near the fire overnight, but there is still the danger of afternoon winds picking up and strengthening the blaze, Ruths said.

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