SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota County Schools said it evacuated students and staff members from a North Port school after a fire broke out nearby Friday afternoon.
Crews responded to a brush fire in the area of Price Boulevard and Toledo Blade Boulevard.
Imagine School, North Port Gymnastics and Building Blox Daycare were all evacuated.
The school system said its transportation team took students and staff to Suncoast Technical College’s North Port campus, and had parents pick up their children there.
Authorities shut down the entrance and exit ramps at Toledo Blade, but they have since reopened.
According to North Port Fire District Chief Kyle Dent, the fire is at 100 percent containment and reached more than 50 acres. Dent said one firefighter had to be pulled off the line after a non-life threatening injury, but will be fine.
Dent also added that Hurricane Ian, which caused heavy damage to this North Port area, could lead to a tougher fire season due to more downed trees, dead brush and debris everywhere.
No structures were damaged and no civilian injuries were reported.
An investigation into the fire is ongoing.
This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.