Massive Brush Fire Scorches 350 Acres In Wimauma

Firefighters battle fast-moving blaze that ignited near Bethlehem Cemetery

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Firefighters in Hillsborough County, Florida are battling a fast-moving brush fire that has consumed around 350 acres in the Wimauma area. The blaze, which started on Sunday afternoon near Bethlehem Cemetery, has forced a large emergency response as crews work to contain the flames driven by powerful wind gusts.

Why it matters

Brush fires are a major concern in Florida during dry conditions, and this incident highlights the challenges first responders face in quickly containing fast-moving wildfires that threaten homes and property. The Wimauma fire is one of 14 brush fires reported in the county on the same day, underscoring the dangerous situation.

The details

The fire ignited around 2:29 PM on Sunday and rapidly grew from a small patch of woods into a sprawling emergency. Bone-dry vegetation and strong winds pushed the fire's perimeter across the landscape at an alarming rate. At the peak, 24 units from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue were on the scene, along with assistance from the Florida Forest Service using heavy equipment to create containment lines. Helicopters from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department also responded, using 'Bambi buckets' to drop water directly on the flames.

  • The first emergency calls reached dispatchers at 2:29 PM on Sunday.
  • By Sunday evening, the scene remained extremely active with crews expected to monitor the area well into the night.

The players

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

The local fire department that led the response to the brush fire.

Florida Forest Service

The state agency that provided additional resources and heavy equipment to help create containment lines.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that deployed helicopters to assist with aerial firefighting efforts.

Tampa Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that also deployed helicopters to assist with aerial firefighting efforts.

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What’s next

Crews are expected to remain on-site well into the night to monitor hot spots and ensure containment lines hold.

The takeaway

This brush fire incident underscores the dangers of dry conditions and fast-moving wildfires in Florida, requiring a coordinated emergency response from multiple agencies to protect lives and property.