Martin County saw two brush fires this week, including one sparked by a lightning strike. Both fires are now fully contained and being monitored by the Florida Forest Service.
David Grubitch, a mitigation specialist and spokesperson with the Florida Forest Service, said the department is in peak fire season. The summer heat is drying out fine dead fuels, making them ready to ignite when lightning strikes occur. Grubitch explained that while rain often extinguishes these fires immediately, sometimes they travel underground and surface days later.
The Florida Forest Service said the conditions that fuel these fires are not going away anytime soon, but residents should not be alarmed. The department expects more brush fires to occur throughout the summer months due to the hot, dry conditions and frequent lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms.
Grubitch stressed that the public plays a crucial role in helping the Florida Forest Service do its job. He said residents should never assume someone else has already called in a brush fire. If residents see smoke or fire, they should report it immediately, as early notification can make all the difference in how quickly crews are able to get a fire under control.