Firefighters contain brush fire in Picayune State Forest on fourth day

Firefighters contained a four-day brush fire in Picayune State Forest on Monday. The blaze had grown to 1,457 acres, or more than 2 square miles.

Firefighters and Division of Forestry officials began fighting the fire on Sabal Palm Road at about 6 p.m. Friday. Officials reported it was fully contained around 5 p.m. Monday.

During the weekend, the fire grew about 500 acres, from its original coverage of less than 1,000 acres Friday. Officials believe the cause of the fire was a lightning strike.

The fire was never a threat to any homes, but it did consume one small building, believed to have been a shed, officials said.

Division of Forestry officials doused the fire throughout the weekend, using helicopters and an airplane. Some firefighters remained at the site after its containment Monday to douse any remaining sparks that could re-ignite the blaze.