Wildfire burns 350 acres near Nalcrest in Polk County, no structures damaged

NALCREST — A wildfire continues to burn in the Nalcrest area, but to this point, the news has been mostly good.

So far, about 350 acres have been devoured, according to Todd Chlanda, a public information officer with the Florida Forest Service. The fire was caused by a lightning strike Wednesday.

Eight residents in the area had to be evacuated for about three hours Sunday, but so far, no structures have been damaged.

As of Monday, about 50 percent of the fire had been contained. Based on the wind, said Todd Chlanda, a public information officer with the Forest Service, the concentration had been primarily on the west side of the fire Monday.

#Bladeline fire update- @FLForestService personnel unloading to start daytime operations. Night operations monitored fire and checked containment lines. Fire still estimated at 350 acres with 50% containment. No structures threatened or damaged. pic.twitter.com/w4JeZ270hs

— FFS_Lakeland (@FFS_Lakeland) March 26, 2018

Chlanda urged residents in the area to be prepared with pre-packed supplies just in case an evacuation is called.

“We’re asking people to have to-go bags just in case,” he said. “With wildfires, you don’t have a lot of notice. If someone knocks on your door, you need to be prepared to go.”