Bartow Fire Scorches Nearly 200 Acres, Closes Highway 640

Florida Forest Service battles blaze in unstable mine pit area

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A fire in Bartow, Florida burned nearly 200 acres on Tuesday, forcing the closure of a portion of Highway 640 due to fire equipment traffic and smoke. The Florida Forest Service reported the fire was 20% contained as of the evening, with challenges posed by the unstable ground of a mine pit where the blaze was burning.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a constant threat in Florida, especially during dry seasons, and can quickly spread and threaten nearby homes and infrastructure if not contained. The closure of a major highway like 640 also disrupts transportation and commerce in the area until the fire is brought under control.

The details

According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire burned approximately 190 acres and was 20% contained as of 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The fire was burning in an unstable mine pit, making it difficult for firefighters to get equipment into the area. At one point, the fire jumped across Highway 640, prompting officials to close the road due to the fire equipment and smoke.

  • The fire began on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • As of 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the fire was 20% contained.

The players

Florida Forest Service

The state agency responsible for managing and responding to wildfires in Florida.

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What they’re saying

“No homes were in the area and no structures were being threatened by the fire.”

— Florida Forest Service spokesman (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire or provided an estimate on when Highway 640 will reopen.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of managing wildfires in Florida, where dry conditions and unstable terrain can make containment efforts difficult. The closure of a major highway also underscores the broader impact these fires can have on local communities and transportation networks.