INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Firefighters responded to two brush fires Thursday evening, one in Gifford and one in the southwest county, adding to the pattern of observed wildfire activity that prompted the Florida Forest Service to assign Indian River County a “very high” fire danger index on Thursday.
A burning patch of about 10 feet by 20 feet was reported at the southern edge of Gifford at about 5:30 p.m. near a house and close to power lines. That fire was quickly extinguished by the engine and pumper truck from Station 12 in Gifford.
Then at 6:06 p.m. crews from Station 7 were dispatched to a brush fire witnessed by a Sheriff’s Deputy in the 100 block of 74th Avenue about one mile north of Oslo Road.
It took nine minutes once firefighters were on the scene to report that blaze, about 40 feet square, to be under control, but firefighters refilled the pumper truck and returned to the scene about 30 minutes later to complete some “mop-up” work on the wildfire site.
The risk of wildfires surges when the relative humidity is lower than usual and rainfall is scarce. High or shifting winds can complicate fighting and containing brush fires.
The U.S. Climate Data website states that the Vero Beach area only had about half the rainfall it usually receives in March, with 2.38 inches recorded as compared to the average 4.49 inches. No measurable rainfall has been recorded yet for April, but the average for April is 2.76 inches.
The average high temperature for the area of 81.2 degrees has been about 4 degrees above the normal 77 degrees over the past month as well. Hot weather, lightning, campfires, burning of trash and discarded lit cigarettes from car windows can all spark wildfires.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida has experienced nearly 700 reported wildfires so far in 2015, burning more than 6,500 acres. After a typical spike in January and February, wildfire season historically peaks in May and June.
The DOACS offers the public tips for protecting your home from wildfire.