Fire crews successfully contain the brush fire that threatened Port Charlotte’s Gulf Cove neighborhood, bringing some relief to residents shaken by the blaze. The Charlotte County Fire Department announced that the fire is now fully contained while they remain vigilant through the night, carefully monitoring lingering hot spots.
Although there were no reported injuries, the flames danced perilously close to homes, prompting many residents to consider evacuation. The palpable fear of nature’s unpredictability gripped the community, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a moment of stark urgency.
Fire department staying overnight after brush fire breaks out in Port Charlotte neighborhood.
George Lyons, a resident of Gulf Cove, recalled the harrowing moment he faced the fire’s fury: “I came around the back of the house and by the time I got to the front, everything was on fire here. I told my wife, ‘Get your purse, we might have to leave,’” he shared, reflecting on how close danger lurked. Thankfully, they chose to stay put, but the tension lingered like smoke in the air.
The Charlotte County Fire Department received the alarm about the 12-acre fire at approximately 2:30 p.m., originating from the vicinity of El Salvador Road and Stone Street. Witnesses noted with trepidation how quickly the situation escalated. “You could see the fire, it was like two blocks over, and within minutes, the wind picked up really bad, and it started coming this way,” Lyons recalled of the frantic moments on Montgomery Drive.
Fire Marshal Scott Morris acknowledged the collaboration of various agencies during the emergency response, including The Florida Forest Service, Englewood Fire Department, and North Port Fire and Rescue. The local Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office contributed with a helicopter that made over 50 water drops, illustrating a community united against the fury of nature.
6:15 Update:
6:15pm Port Charlotte Brush Fire Update
As the fire raged, Morris noted the significant impact of the strong breeze that fueled the flames. “The breeze today was really quite a bit, and it made the fire move really fast,” he explained. The abundance of dry brush surrounding homes exacerbated the threat, transforming a seemingly routine day into one filled with peril.
For those still dealing with the aftermath, the Florida Forest Service revealed that seven buildings faced potential danger, yet only one home sustained minor damage. Yet, as evening fell, hot spots continued to smolder, and the smell of smoke seeped into the streets of Montgomery Drive, a reminder of nature’s power over human habitation.
Watch below to see viewer video from Kailyn Rivera:
kailyn rivera fire video 2.mp4
Ken Wells voiced the shared sentiment of many, recalling how his family quickly evacuated before returning to the uneasy calm of home. “You know, it’s been one natural disaster after another,” he lamented, reflecting on the troubling pattern of hurricanes and fires that now shape life in Gulf Cove.
Interestingly, the Charlotte County Fire Department noted they did not officially call for evacuations, leaving the decision to residents who felt threatened. Morris anticipated that the smell of smoke might linger for days—a reminder of the chaos, even as the fire settled into memory.
Amidst this turmoil, one thing remained clear: the community, with its local businesses like Peachy’s Fine Food and the Tasty Nourishment catering service, is a testament to resilience. In the face of uncertainty, residents find solace in each other, clinging to the idea that they are stronger together.
