Egmont Key has been reopened to guests.

  • Fire originated from lightning strike
  • Nearly 80 acres burned
  • No injuries reported, crews remained at scene for multiple days

Parts of the state park reopened Friday after a fire torched almost 80 acres earlier this week.

Wildlife officials said lightning sparked the huge fire Tuesday night.  

Aerial views from Sky 9 showed smoke billowing out from the park. Flames from hot spots and flare ups could also be seen through parts of the burnt-out forest.

Officials with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the extreme heat and changing winds made it challenging for crews to fight the flames.

Even though the park is open, officials are reminding visitors to stay on the trials.

The fire burned 79 acres.

Officials said no structures have been damaged, and wildlife in the area seem to be safe. There is a large gopher tortoise population and bird sanctuary on Egmont Key.

The island has no human residents, and can only be reached by boat or ferry.