INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Lighting was to blame for two of the three wildfires sparked Tuesday in Indian River County, according to the Florida Division of Forestry.
In all, fire crews were busy in several Treasure Coast counties battling 11 fires.
In Indian River County, about 23 acres burned either from lightning strikes or equipment malfunction.
A 20-acre blaze was brought under control about 12 miles west-northwest of Fellsmere, started by a lightning bolt.
A pilot from Division of Forestry spotted the fire and radioed it in.
A 2-acre fire was reported as “Cow Chip” was also discovered by a Forestry plane.
And closer to Vero Beach, near the 1600 block of 90th Avenue, a piece of equipment sparked a 1-acre fire, which Indian River County Fire Rescue was able to contain and extinguish.
Gov. Rick Scott announced a State of Emergency due to drought conditions and the potential for wildfires.
Residents and motorists are encouraged to be mindful of tossing cigarette butts and other incendiary items as well as conducting their own burning of yard debris. Anyone who spots a fire is encouraged to call 911 to report it.
