ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. -- St. Lucie County Fire crews have contained a 120-acre brush fire that sparked near Indrio Rd.west of U.S 1.
Friday night, fire fighters continued to monitor the area for hotspots should the fire ignite again.
The Florida Forest Service, St. Lucie County Firefighters, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire after 2 P.M.
The Florida Forest Service used its chopper to dump thousands of gallons of water on the fire, while other fire crews battled the fire on the ground, plowing through thick brush. The density of the trees and brush made it harder for crews to reach the fire.
No homes or businesses were evacuated, but the fire initially spread east toward U.S 1, making it a priority for crews to prevent the fire from spreading toward that area.
St. Lucie County District Chief Nate Spera says the plants and brush were dry and allowed the fire to spread quickly. But, he says some areas of swampy ground caused other challenges.
“A lot of the access areas were really soft. They looked good, but we pulled four or five trucks that got stuck making egress. It was a real challenge to get on it,” Spera said.
The Florida Forest Service says brush fires ignite in that area every year. Nearby residents know how to protect their properties as a result of that.
Dave Golden watched the dark smoke billow about a half-mile from his home.
But, he says he didn’t break a sweat. He’s had fires much closer to his property. His home is well protected, with a metal roof and CBS construction.
“It’s going to take a lot to catch it on fire,” Golden said.
He also knows the check-list the Florida Forest Service reminds residents about every year.
His trees are trimmed away from his home. His lawn is watered and green.
Fire fighters says those living in the area can expect the smoke to be lingering in the area Saturday morning.
With a dry weekend ahead, fire officials also want to remind people to keep golf carts and 4-wheelers off of the grass.
Don’t start bonfires and don’t flick cigarette butts onto dry brush.