Fast Moving 300-Acre Brush Fire Threatening Orlando’s Tourism District

UPDATE 8:57 p.m. April 7, 2017: News13 reports “The Florida Forest Service and Orange County Fire Rescue say the 475-acre brush fire burning near Orlando’s tourist district is 75 percent contained, but still billowing smoke over most of Central Florida.”

UPDATE 4:37 p.m. April 7, 2017: News13 reports that the fire has spread to 475 acres.

News13 is reporting that the Florida Forest Service is carefully monitoring a fast-moving, 300-acre brush fire that is currently burning near Orlando’s tourism district. The fire is near the intersection of Daryl Carter Parkway and International Drive, but plumes of smoke are billowing over most of Central Florida.

The photo below was taken just moments ago from the Epcot monorail.

Orange County Fire Rescue is working hard with at least 17 units to contain the fire. The Florida Forest Service has requested more units to include eight bulldozers and a helicopter. News13 also reports that a Florida Forest Service airplane is en route to conduct reconnaissance of the fire.

As of now, two buildings at the Sheraton Vistana Villages have been evacuated, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

There have been no injuries reported as of the time of this posting.

There are currently no road closures, but the Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to keep clear of the area.

Source: News13