55-acre wildfire near Poinciana Gardens community in Hobe Sound 100 percent contained

HOBE SOUND, Fla. -- Martin County Fire Rescue and the Division of Forestry continue to work on a Hobe Sound brush fire this morning that began Thursday.

While the fire is now 100 percent contained, there is potential for the fire to restart.

The 55-acre wildfire began burning in Hobe Sound's Poinciana Gardens community Thursday afternoon. Hard work by fire crews and by residents likely saved more than 20 homes.

About eight fire fighters were still on the scene Friday morning, putting out hot spots to prevent the fire from returning.

Thursday night, crews intentionally burned more vulnerable vegetation to keep the flames from returning. Florida Forest Service, Martin County Fire Rescue and residents all helped to battle the fire.

"I was riding my bike and found it coming really close to the houses so I jumped off and grabbed a hose," said Diane Jettinghoff. Flames came very close to her home but were slowed by a small canal at the rear of her property.

At one point, 20 homes were in danger as dozens of acres of dry vegetation went up in flames. Resident Marvin Loisell had fire creeping closer on three sides of his property.

"By the time I came out to investigate the smoke, it had already flared up and jumped across to my side of the road and started working its way behind my house," said Loisell.

Strong wind gusts from the north and a lack of rain on the Treasure Coast is a dangerous combination.

"A lot of fire and that fire was really, really high," said Loisell, who was one of many residents in this neighborhood who had listened to previous warnings to have a 'defensible space' around his home.

"There is a good chance that this fire could spread even further...if we don't do everything we can to stop it," said Melissa Yunas, public information officer for Florida Forest Service.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Additional reporting by Mike Trim, WPTV