Firefighters in Polk County are still dealing with small fires in the Indian Lake Estates community due to a combination of gusty winds and newly fallen pine needles.

  • Ground still smoldering after fires two weeks ago
  • Forestry crews putting out hotspots on daily basis
  • Windy conditions make situation more dangerous

The ground has still been smoldering in some areas since the fire broke out nearly three weeks ago. Forestry Service crews have been putting out the fires on a daily basis.

But it's been worse over the past few days with the wind, leaving residents nervous.

"We are staying out here to keep on top of it and make sure the fires don't get into something that's unburned and have an actual wildfire,” said firefighter Pete Lewis.

The original fire killed and dried out pine needles at the very tops of trees. Those needles are now falling and blanketing the ground in the forest. The needles are perfect tinder for new fires.

"So you actually have dry fuel that can cause a re-burn if you actually have anything hot up underneath it,” said Lewis.

Residents have been doing their part to keep hotspots under control, as well. David Regling has been driving around the community on his golf cart to look for flare ups, so he can alert firefighters.

"But I've chased some of them down that are driving through and I tell them, 'Hey, there's a hot spot on such-and-such a road,' and they say 'Thank you,' and away they go and check it out and if it looks bad they call in a water truck to put it out," said Regling.