HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A palm tree burst into flames on the north end of Egmont Key.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, multiple agencies responded to a call regarding a forest fire around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Hillsborough County air units used Bambi buckets to extinguish the fire after it spread nearly 30 acres.
Six people were evacuated to Bay Pier.
There are no injuries or structures involved as of this report.
“Our pilots and tactical flight deputies are trained to handle any scenario, whether that’s locating a lost child, tracking a criminal, or in this case, mitigating the damages of a wildfire,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Utilizing equipment like the Bambi Bucket means that residents and visitors in Hillsborough County are never far from safety, no matter the emergency.”
A perimeter was set up around the Key. The FWC asks the public to remain at a safe distance.
“The priority of this operation is the safety and well-being of all individuals on the island. Efforts are being made to ensure that everyone is evacuated and safe,” the FWC said in a statement.
The cause of the fire is unknown.