Brush fire in Charlotte County Gulf Cove community is now out

A brush fire in the Charlotte County community of Gulf Cove that threatened four homes earlier Thursday is now out, according to Charlotte County Fire & EMS.

The homes were near Gillot Boulevard and Drysdale Avenue.

CCFR says the fire started small but moved quickly. Wind conditions caused the fire to spread quickly through backyards, jumping over one road and growing to three acres.

One neighbor whose home was affected says he’s grateful to have a roof over his head tonight.

“Got pretty lucky, I guess,” said Craig Bennett. “Came right to the property line. We live out in the middle of nowhere and when it starts, it starts.”

Florida Forestry as well as Boca Grande, North Port and Englewood fire departments assisted.

Right now, crews are in the “mop-up” stage, which means they’re keeping the ground and brush wet to prevent the fire from starting back up.

Neighbors may see some light smoke, but crews will be out there overnight patrolling the area.