Crews battle Sanford yard fire amid persistent dry conditions

Dry weather is fueling fires in central Florida.

A mandatory burn ban is in effect in some central Florida counties, prohibiting all outdoor burning to prevent accidental wildfires.

Seminole County fire crews responded to a yard fire on Burton Lane in Sanford.

Seminole County firefighters said the fire broke out Sunday morning in a shed.

Battalion Chief Phil Persing said a transformer started the fire. It was near a dry brush and it ignited that material.

“We're having a lot of issues right now, not only in Seminole County, but throughout Central Florida with brush fires,” Persing said.

Persing said no one was injured and all the animals got out safely.

Firefighters deployed additional units due to the burn ban.

“We don't want to deal with a rekindling situation, and when conditions are like these, we just have to be even more careful. We need to make sure the fire is completely out just because of how dry it is,” Persing said.

Crews remained on scene for several hours monitoring the fire and were able to contain it.

“The conditions are met; we haven’t had rain in a while and we have very low humidity,” Persing said.

Jennifer Grayson lives near where the fire broke out.

“The fire department said if it was yesterday with the wind, the house probably would have collapsed,” Grayson said.

Persing said it was a miracle no homes were damaged.

“Even short grass catches fire. It’s pretty important,” Persing said.

Grayson said she was grateful firefighters responded so quickly.

“Everyone came out, and the animals came out, that’s all that matters, God was with all of us this morning,” Grayson said.

County leaders issued a burn ban in Seminole County on Tuesday.

County leaders said the ban would remain in effect until the KBDI drops below 500 for seven consecutive days or until further notice.

If you're in a county where burning is prohibited, that means no campfires or bonfires. State leaders suggest homeowners create at least 30 feet of green space around their homes.