300-acre underground brush fire continues to burn, largely contained

Lina PortmanJune 2, 2024

0 2 minutes read

PALM CITY — A brush fire that has been burning for several days in a wooded area west of Palm City near Interstate 95 has spread to 300 acres but is now mostly underground and contained, people said officials from the Florida Forest Service and Martin County Fire Department on Saturday. .

“Underground fires don't have exposed flames at the top, but it's like a bed of charcoal beneath the ground,” said David Grubich, a spokesman for the Florida Forest Service. Organic matter in the soil fuels underground fires, he said.

The brush fire broke out Thursday in the wooded area off I-95 and around State Route 714 and Southwest Martin Highway. It initially grew to 30 to 40 acres, as embers crossed control lines and expanded the fire, Grubich said.

Bushfire in Palm City:Forest fires no longer threaten homes and no damage has been reported

Fire personnel are on scene to extinguish embers by extinguishing or removing burning materials near control lines, felling damaged trees and cooling ashtrays, Grubich added.

Martin County firefighters stationed two engines, two brush trucks and a tanker truck at the scene to work on hot spots, survey the area and monitor spot fires, said Cory Pippin, a spokesman for the Martin County Fire Department. Martin County. The fire is estimated to be 90 percent contained, he said.

No injuries or damage to residences or structures were reported. Some homes near the fire were evacuated Friday evening, but residents have since been allowed to return, Grubich said.

Smoke from the fire was visible Saturday afternoon near Stuart West Cobblestone, a residential community located on Southwest Martin Highway off I-95. There are no road closures along I-95 and Southwest Martin Highway, and traffic is flowing freely.

An underground fire can smolder for weeks, even without visible flames on the surface, Grubich said. They can also turn back on, even if they appear to be off on the surface. “It was actually a fire that we put out on 58 acres. And then this ember of fire came out of it, went across the line and as a result we now have 300 acres,” Grubich said.

Residents are urged to immediately report any signs of fire by calling 911. Homeowners should protect their properties from flying embers that can travel up to a mile from the fire by cleaning gutters and eaves to remove needles pine trees, leaves and other debris, Grubich said.

People living near the wildfire should check air quality to stay informed, seek cleaner air indoors, use air conditioning without bringing in outside air, limit outdoor activities, wear an N95 respirator, consult health care providers for advice, and stock up on essential products to minimize travel outdoors, per U.S. Fire Administration guidelines.

Lina Portman

Related Articles

Three people stabbed, one seriously, on East Village street

Mississippi Sheriff's Office to conduct review after details of 'Goon Squad' message group revealed in media

Near-record heat and isolated storms in store this week – WFTV

Japan spots Chinese ships near Senkaku Islands for record 158 days