Martin County brush fire that sparked evacuations is nearly 90% contained, MCFR reports

PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) – The brush fire that enveloped about 100 acres west of Palm City and forced some nearby evacuations is almost completely contained, the Martin County Fire Department reports.

In an update Saturday morning, MCFR spokesperson Cory Pippin said the fire was approximately 90% contained and crews were still on scene to survey the area and monitor for any spot fires that may light up.

The fire burned Friday evening along Southwest Buena Vista Drive in the Stuart West Cobblestone community, MCFR spokesperson Cory Pippin confirmed. Video shared with CBS12 News showed large plumes of smoke above I-95 near the Southwest Martin Highway interchange.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office said that due to poor visibility due to heavy plumes of smoke, the westbound lanes of the Martin Highway were temporarily closed, leaving drivers to take alternate routes. Although the road has been reopened, visibility remains poor due to heavy smoke as the fire continues to burn near the highway.

In addition, some houses were evacuated. Fire Chief Chad Cianciulli said the directive was intended to protect the people, pets and animals that live there. He noted that firefighters deployed lines to the rear of homes and took a defensive stance to protect properties.

“We were sitting in the house and the smoke started getting closer. It seemed thick. I looked outside and saw flames,” said Derek Craver, who was forced to evacuate. “It’s a little hectic, a little panicky especially when they tell you to leave.”

As of Friday evening, MCFR reported no homes were damaged. At the time, they said the fire was contained to about 30 to 40 acres. He no longer threatened any homes and people were allowed to return.

Pippin said Saturday that two crusher trucks remained at the scene, along with a tanker truck and a battalion chief. The Florida firefighters also intervened and are carrying out their operations.