LITHIA, FL — Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews battled a 10-acre brush fire Friday afternoon in Lithia that left one civilian in critical condition.
According to HCFR, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 2:35 p.m. on May 15, 2026, after multiple 911 callers reported a rapidly spreading brush fire near 123 Gray Road.
When firefighters arrived, crews observed a large column of smoke visible from a significant distance and immediately began working to protect nearby homes threatened by the advancing flames. Officials said firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding structures.
Several brush trucks and water tankers were deployed to the scene as crews worked to contain the blaze. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office assisted with aerial water drops using Bambi bucket operations, while the Florida Forest Service established plow lines to help stop the fire’s spread.
The fire was brought under control within approximately two hours, according to officials.
One civilian was transported from the scene in critical condition. No firefighters or first responders were injured during the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
