Lehigh Acres fire threatens homes, causes evacuations

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — A two-acre fire endangered three homes and initiated evacuations Saturday afternoon on 53rd St. West and Gene Avenue, the Lehigh Acres Fire Department said.

Zaki Knpen said he accidentally started the fire while burning brush in an attempt to clean his yard.

However, he forgot his water hose.

“It was really really fast,” he said. “I couldn’t get it under control at all, so I went to the neighbors to tell them that the fire is coming in their direction. Part of their fence was already half burned up so it was quite a blast.”

Georgia Adams said most of her family was at a Christmas party when they received word that their house may go up in flames.

“I can’t even believe it,” she said. “Honestly, I said so many prayers on the way here.”

Fire crews said warmer temperatures and a lack of rain is what caused the blaze to spread so quickly.

“At least everyone is alive,” Adams said. “It’s Christmas, time to forgive and forget.”

No injuries were reported, but Knepen is responsible for paying for repairs.