ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Brush fires in western St. Lucie County have prompted a health alert for residents in the area.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County on Saturday cautioned the public about smoke from a brush fire near Bluefield Road and the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds near Peacock Road and Okeechobee Road.
Smoke can irritate the respiratory system and cause symptoms including a scratchy throat, irritated eyes and nose, and coughing. Smoke can also potentially worsen asthma and other chronic lung or heart conditions.
According to the St. Lucie County Fire District, the fire near Bluefield Road was approaching a private property in the area when firefighters contained the flames to keep it from spreading.
The Florida Forestry Service took over monitoring the brush fire.
A stretch of Peacock Road was blocked off because of limited visibility.