INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Within the last few days, Florida Forest Service and Indian River County Fire Rescue responded to five wildfires that have burned approximately 70 acres. Lightning has been the leading cause.
Every day without rainfall the vegetation looses moisture and can easily ignite. Additional rainfall is needed to elevate the wildfire risk. Indian River County’s Fire Danger Index is moderate for the potential for a fire to start. On average, Indian River County’s estimated dryness of the soil and duff layers scale is 516, according to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
“Yesterday’s thunderstorm was a hindrance to suppression activity,” said State Wildfire Firefighter Trevor Taylor, Florida Forest Service. “The winds increased and switched direction as the storm cell approached, spreading the wildfire farther and fanning the flames. Once the cell passed by, firefighters were able to safely suppress the wildfire. No rainfall was reported in the area, the vegetation is bone dry.”
Firefighters are asking for help. As wildfire danger increases the potential for homes to be at risk increases. Find out what the experts know about the best way to make homes and neighborhoods safer from wildfire. From the basics of defensible space and sound landscaping techniques to research on how homes ignite, there are tips and tools to reduce your risk.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
