‘We’re going oh my God please wind stay to your left’: Florida brush fires contained
By Angela Rozier
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ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Florida (WPBF) — Dry and windy conditions are fueling brush fires across the Treasure Coast, prompting St. Lucie County officials to issue a local state of emergency and a county-wide burn ban.
The latest wildfire burned about 10 acres near the Indian River Estates community in Fort Pierce, next to the Savannas Preserve State Park. The fire is contained, but crews are watching for hot spots.
Resident Dottie Powell, whose property is butted up against the preserve, said she watched the smoke from her backyard as firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading. “It started right over there, you see right there, and it was going down,” Powell said.
Powell said the wind had neighbors worried as smoke filled the area.
“And in this opening here you could see all the smoke, and we’re going, oh my God, please wind stay to your left,” Powell said.
Firefighters with the Florida Forest Service, St. Lucie County Fire District and Department of Environmental Protection returned Thursday to put out hot spots.
St. Lucie County Fire District Chief of Operations Daniel Mikels said the region is experiencing extreme drought conditions.
“So, our drought index right now is well over 600,” Mikels said. We start getting alarms when that drought index is over four. So, we’re well past that 400 number.”
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The fire district also shared video of crews responding to another brush fire off South Header Canal Road Wednesday. Officials said the dry conditions are contributing to an unusually dangerous wildfire season.
“Because it’s so dry because of the recent cold snaps in my 20-plus career here, this is probably one of the worst times, the worst wildfire droughts that we’re seeing,” Mikels said.
He said homeowners near wooded areas should take steps now to protect their property.
“For people that are living close to these urban interface areas, having a defensible space around their house, clearing out their gutters, making sure they don’t have anything on the roof or hanging on the roof,” Mikels said. “Because with this wind and dispersion, it’ll carry embers down, and that’s how you can have some of these spot fires.”
Powell is hoping for relief soon.
“I think this weekend we’re supposed to get some rain.
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