MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Martin County Fire Rescue said they have contained a brush fire that broke out in Palm City Thursday afternoon and caused major traffic delays.
Firefighters assisted Florida Forest Service crews in extinguishing a 50-acre brush fire off Busch Street, Martin County Fire Rescue said in a post on Facebook.
"The fire most likely started from some lightning that passed through,” Shawn Lisowy, Martin County Fire Rescue Bureau of Operations Chief, said.
MCFR said crews worked through the evening inside and outside the large wooded area of Southwest 84th Avenue near Martin Highway to preventing flames from spreading.
On Friday, MCFR the fire was 100% contained. However, crews are back in the burnt area with a brush truck to monitor hot spots. Fire officials said the region has been experiencing hot temperatures and dry conditions.
“Until we get a lot of rain, where we’re getting consistent rain, we’re going to have these situations,” Lisowy said.
David Schoen said he's concerned about the fires.
“With the dry conditions and stuff like that, it’s definitely a concern for me and my family,” Schoen said.
Fire officials urge drivers to use caution in the area. They said visibility may be impacted as smoke is expected to linger over the next three to five days.
In the meantime, crews will continue clearing vegetation that could be used as fuel to the fire. They're also not permitting any burning in the region.