Smoke getting into your eyes? Bushfire smoke likely visible for weeks

Lina PortmanJune 4, 2024

0 2 minutes read

MARTIN COUNTY — Smoke from a nearly 230-acre brush fire in the Palm City area, 90 percent contained, will likely be visible for weeks, according to the Florida Forest Service Monday.

The fire, generally north of State Road 714 and east of Interstate 95, started last week and caused the temporary evacuation of some homes.

“If it weren't for the drought, we would call it 100 percent (contained),” said Dave Grubich, Florida Forest Service public information officer and mitigation specialist. “But because it’s dry and still has pockets of unburned fuel, there’s always a chance of finding something.”

Grubich said Martin County measures 577 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which ranges from 0 to 800 and is a measure of the amount of moisture in the top 8 inches of soil.

“It’s really dry right now,” Grubich said.

The fire is burning underground and will smoke “for a few weeks.”

“It will burn until it reaches the water table,” Grubich said. “As long as it contains organic matter, it will continue to burn.”

Although there hasn't been any significant precipitation lately, Grubich said it will arrive.

“It’s Florida,” he said. “It's going to start raining, and when that happens, it's all going to go away. »

Grubich said crews were working with the Martin County Fire Department and there were hydrants in the area.

“The drought we are living in is only exacerbating the situation,” he said.

He said it's a good time for people to clean their gutters and remove pine needles.

Cory Pippin, a spokesman for Martin Fire Rescue, said his agency was heavily involved Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the incident.

“Right now we are just monitoring the situation and watching for any hot spots,” he said.

If you smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, here are ways to limit your exposure, according to AQMD.gov

Stay indoors with windows and doors closed or seek other shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioner if you have one and make sure it has a clean filter.
Use an air purifier. Indoor air quality is affected, so consider using an air purifier to remove wildfire smoke. Air purifiers with sealed HEPA filters provide additional protection by trapping and sealing out particulate pollution and projecting clean, filtered air into the room.

Lina Portman

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