Firefighters battling blaze near Central Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens

 Fire rescue crews have evacuated homes near a brush fire in Palm Beach Gardens this afternoon, a spokesman confirmed.

About 15 to 20 houses have been evacuated near the area of Hood Road and Central Boulevard, where a brush fire that is now under control has been burning since 4:21 p.m., said Division Chief Keith Bryer, spokesman for Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue.

Reinforcements have been called in to protect homes surrounding the fire, Bryer added. Crews have extinguished most flare-ups.

The Florida Forest Service is on scene. At least 20 Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue units are fighting the fire.

Initial reports were that the fire was burning in a quarter of an acre near the south side of Magnolia Circle, between a community of homes and Temple Beth David. Firefighters are mostly concerned with getting the fire under control because strong winds were pushing it near homes.