Tampa Bay, FL (970 WFLA) - Wildfires continue to burn in dry conditions in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties and have forced officials to close parts of I-75 and the Suncoast Parkway over the weekend.
Firefighters continue to battle the Anclote Branch fire in Pasco County. Smoke from it caused closure of the Suncoast Parkway from State Roads 54 to 52 in both directions. It did not re-open until late morning Sunday. Pasco County also said that Jay Starkey Wilderness Park would stay closed Sunday so it could serve as a staging area for fire crews.
Pasco County Emergency Management rescinded the voluntary evacuation of the Bexley Ranch Subdivision. Officials asked residents to monitor local media for any changes, but said that they would go door-to-door to notify people if they needed to leave their homes. It also reminds people not to burn any trash, garbage or yard debris. The county also has prohibited any open flames in any county park.
The Salvation Army has set up a receiving station at the front entrance of Starkey Park where people can donate water, sports drinks, lip balm, bug repellent, sunscreen, and non-perishable snacks for for emergency workers.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
In New Tampa, a fire near Bruce B. Downs Blvd that had consumed more than 175 acres also generated smoke heavy enough that officials closed I-75 in the area. It had re-opened Sunday morning, but the fire continued to burn.