By Erin Sullivan, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Blazes caused by fireworks popped up throughout the Tampa Bay area on New Year's Day, said Dave Fogler, a supervisor with the Florida Division of Forestry.
One reason was that it was windy and dry, Fogler said, which didn't mesh well with the ignition of explosives.
"People don't understand how quick and easy it is," Fogler said. "One little spark, and suddenly it's off to the races."
The largest fire on Saturday was 78 acres near St. Joe and Missionary roads close to Dade City. It began about 11 a.m., and four homes were in danger.
"We put a plow line in somebody's yard," Fogler said. "We barely got between the fire and the house."
That fire was contained. No residents were evacuated.
Another fire in Pasco County was 24 acres and shut down ...