POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Indian Lake Estates brush fire in Polk County continues to cause problems on Friday morning.

The fire, which was under control Thursday, has now spread to 4,000 acres.

Authorities closed County Road 630 at the intersection of Highway 60 on Friday morning because of the fire.

Fire activity picked up in the River Ranch Hunt Club area of Polk County on Thursday.

Affected areas include north and south of State Route 60, south of State Route 360, the River Ranch Hunting Club and Indian Lake Estates.

Polk County Fire Rescue said the public will see hot spots in the area, which is normal.

Residents need to stay alert and watch for emergency vehicles.  Crew responses times have been delayed by motorists slowing down to look at damage, Fire Rescue said.

Officials said humidity is expected to be low on Friday, increasing the potential of flare-ups and ignition.

There are no evacuation orders, but those who camp or reside in the River Ranch Hunt Club should vacate the camps and seek other shelter.

16 crews worked through the night battling the fire.

One dog died in the brush fire.  Nine mobile homes and two single family homes were destroyed.THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE

POLK COUNTY, Fla (WFLA) — Hundreds of people are returning to their homes in Polk County’s Indian Lake Estates after they were forced out by a massive brush fire on Wednesday.

The brush fire broke out in the area of 7200 Highway 630 East in Frostproof on Wednesday afternoon and then grew to 2,000 acres.

Nine mobile homes and two single family homes were destroyed, according to preliminary reports from assessment crews.

Right now, there are no reported injuries, but as people are returning home, they’re finding damage and devastation.

Erica Barlean said it felt like national news happened in her own back yard.

“It’s like Gatlinburg all over and it’s so scary to think that that’s potentially what it turned into.”

The blazing fire forced hundreds out of their homes. For Barlean, the fire was just yards away from her home when she had to leave.

“What do you grab when you’re in a panic mode that you have to get out that the fire is creeping up? I didn’t grab anything. I got dogs and my kids and we had to go.”

When she left, she was unsure if she’d come back to anything at all.

“My dad just recently passed, I don’t have any of his stuff that is in the house, what am I going to come home to? I have a 9-year-old in school, where’s her clothes, she’s not going to have uniforms, where we going to go? It’s awful.”

It’s been an emotional roller coaster for Barlean and her family but she got an outcome she wasn’t expecting.

“Relief, feeling of just peace knowing that it is still here, knowing that we can walk in and just do some cleaning and go on with our lives.”

Eagle 8 HD flew over Indian Lake Estates and from the looks of the video, some people won’t be able to go on with their lives as easy as others.

Some houses burned to the ground and officials expect to find more damage as they do more surveying today.

Fire crews are continuing to monitor and fight continuing hot spots throughout the area.

A Citizen’s Information Line has been set up for residents: 863-401-2234, or toll-free at 866-661-0228.

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