A brush fire originally believed to be caused by an out-of-control controlled burn was actually caused by someone burning tires, according to Florida Forestry Services.

The fire started in Dunnellon, in the area of SW 155th Street and SW 75th Avenue.

The fire is now 90 percent contained, with 55 acres burned. 

Residents, including Barb Smith, evacuated near Marion Oaks because of the fire.
 
“I was watching it and went over and told my neighbor to watch it. The next thing I know the sheriff’s department is in my driveway telling me to leave,” she said.

Everyone affected made it safely back to their homes.

One structure sustained minor damage when the vinyl siding melted. Matt Reyburn said the home belongs to his uncle, who wasn’t home at the time.

“Well he’s upset, yeah, why wouldn’t he be? He just bought it 6 months, 8 months ago,” Reyburn said.

He was thankful for the crews battling the fire and relieved the side of his uncle’s house was the only casualty of the flames.

“To be honest they did an awesome job. Other than it looks like a war zone here now,” Reyburn said.