Smokey Jr. the bear was saved from a brush fire in Lake County, according to Lake County fire officials.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are evaluating the cub, WESH 2 News has learned.A 220-acre brush fire endangered homes in the area of Apricot Way near Royal Trails.Lake County Fire Rescue said two homes were evacuated."We've got five bulldozers on scene with Florida Forest Service, Florida Forest Service helicopters on scene assisting, along with Lake County Fire," said John Kern with the Florida Forest Service.As firefighters cut fire lines in one area, flames kept popping up elsewhere. Crews were able to save at-risk homes that were surrounded by flames. A trail of ash was left behind."These firefighters did a fantastic job," said local resident John Hasty."Had the wind gone the other way, I would've lost my house," said Adam Campbell, who witnessed a house construction crew clearing land."They actually set their brush on fire, they started a fire and they left. Yep, the wind just carried it on down the road. When you set a fire, you are supposed to stay until it's out. They don't even have running water there," Campbell said."We're just totally amazed about all that's burnt and the wildlife that's going to be messed up," Hasty said.A small bear cub, named Smokey Jr., was rescued from burning brush, his fur coat was singed by flames and his mama bear was long gone."We like living out in the woods, but at times like this, hurts our hearts real bad," Hasty said.No injuries were reported.>>Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS and Android

Smokey Jr. the bear was saved from a brush fire in Lake County, according to Lake County fire officials.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are evaluating the cub, WESH 2 News has learned.

A 220-acre brush fire endangered homes in the area of Apricot Way near Royal Trails.



Lake County Fire Rescue said two homes were evacuated.

"We've got five bulldozers on scene with Florida Forest Service, Florida Forest Service helicopters on scene assisting, along with Lake County Fire," said John Kern with the Florida Forest Service.



As firefighters cut fire lines in one area, flames kept popping up elsewhere. Crews were able to save at-risk homes that were surrounded by flames. A trail of ash was left behind.



"These firefighters did a fantastic job," said local resident John Hasty.



"Had the wind gone the other way, I would've lost my house," said Adam Campbell, who witnessed a house construction crew clearing land.



"They actually set their brush on fire, they started a fire and they left. Yep, the wind just carried it on down the road. When you set a fire, you are supposed to stay until it's out. They don't even have running water there," Campbell said.



"We're just totally amazed about all that's burnt and the wildlife that's going to be messed up," Hasty said.



A small bear cub, named Smokey Jr., was rescued from burning brush, his fur coat was singed by flames and his mama bear was long gone.



"We like living out in the woods, but at times like this, hurts our hearts real bad," Hasty said.



No injuries were reported.

>>Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS and Android