Firefighters Battle Brush Blaze in Clermont’s Cemex Mines Area

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – On Saturday, the Florida Forest Service announced they are actively combating a brush fire in the Cemex Mines vicinity in Clermont, as detailed in a recent news release.

The wildfire, spanning 16 acres as of 5:30 p.m., was reported near Johns Lake Road in Lake County, according to the release.

Officials stated that the fire is confined within a pit, and due to the exceptionally dry conditions, teams have decided to execute a controlled back burn covering over 500 acres to aid in containing and extinguishing the blaze.

This coordinated effort involves the Clermont Fire Department and Lake County Fire Rescue, ensuring a comprehensive response to the situation.

The back burn is a vital firefighting strategy that eliminates potential fuel sources, thereby preventing the fire from extending beyond its current boundaries, as emphasized by officials in the release.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area to ensure safe and efficient access for emergency personnel. Smoke may be visible in surrounding communities during the operation.