Brush fire in Osceola County forces evacuations near Holopaw | FOX 35 Orlando
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Brush fire in Osceola County forces evacuations near Holopaw

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Published  March 18, 2025 3:05pm EDT
Osceola County
FOX 35 Orlando

Brush fire burns close to homes in Osceola County

Officials said a 10-to-20-acre brush fire that broke out on Tuesday caused seven homes to be evacuated in the Osceola County area.

The Brief

    • A brush fire in Holopaw forced the evacuation of nine homes but is now 99% contained, with no damage or injuries reported.
    • Fire crews continue monitoring hotspots after battling flames as high as 20 feet.
    • The cause remains unknown, but dry, windy conditions pose ongoing fire risks.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Officials said a 10-to-20-acre brush fire that broke out on Tuesday caused seven homes to be evacuated in the Osceola County area.

Firefighters continue to monitor for flare-ups

What we know:

A brush fire in the Holopaw area forced the evacuation of at least nine homes. The fire started near Topeka Avenue and Jupiter Drive, close to U.S. Highways 192 and 441. Fire crews from Osceola County Fire Rescue, Osceola County Forestry Services, and Brevard County Fire Rescue responded. 

As of 5 p.m., 99% of the fire was contained, and it remains confined to vegetation. No homes were damaged, and no injuries have been reported. Families that were evacuated are beginning to return home.

Holopaw is no stranger to seasonal wildfires, particularly during Florida’s dry season. With strong winds and dry conditions persisting, fire crews are expected to maintain a presence in the area to monitor hotspots and prevent further flare-ups.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. It’s unclear whether any specific conditions beyond the dry, windy weather contributed to the blaze. 

The backstory:

The fire broke out around 1 p.m. and quickly spread across approximately 10 acres at its peak. Crews worked on both sides of the road to contain the flames, which, according to one resident, reached heights of 20 feet. Given the region’s current dry and windy conditions, the risk of brush fires remains a concern for local officials and residents.

What they're saying:

One resident described the intensity of the fire to FOX 35 News, stating, "It was around my home, and the flames were at least 20 feet high."

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Osceola County Public Information Officer Joshua Holder on March 18, 2025.

Osceola CountyCrime and Public Safety