INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. -- Indian River County Fire Fighters responded to multiple brush fires Tuesday afternoon.
Record dry conditions for the month of July, along with hot temperatures and windy conditions contributed to the spread of the fires.
Fire officials believe the fires all started from lightning strikes.
The largest fire was more than 50-acres near Roseland Rd. near the Sebastian Municipal airport.
Fire fighters on scene said about 25 homes were jeopardized, but no one had to be evacuated. Several roads were blocked as a precaution.
“We were afraid it was going to catch these houses on fire,” said nearby resident Chris Keithline. “It was really billowing and then it was dropping ash all over the neighborhood. We were afraid it was going to catch fire.”
Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading closer to the homes.
Keithline knew the risk for fires in the area was high. “I’ve been watering the grass everyday and it’s still burning up, just not getting any rain.”
Fire crews were spread out through Indian River County monitoring at least 4 sites for brush fires, making sure hot spots wouldn’t re-ignite any of the fires.
“It’s a strain on resources, yes, but also a strain on personnel,” said Battalion Chief David Dangerfield.
His crews took more breaks for water and rest because of the extreme heat.
He’s urging people to take care of their properties to prevent brush fires from spreading toward their homes.
That includes keeping lawns watered, picking up yard debris such as sticks and pine needles and trimming trees and pushes away from your house.