VERO BEACH — As summer rains arrive, lightning caused wildfires increase. Since July 1, 2012, the Florida Forest Service has responded to 12 lightning caused wildfires that burned over 532 acres along the Treasure Coast & Okeechobee Counties.
Friday, July 13, Florida Forest Service suppressed a 205 acre lightning wildfire in South Martin County off Pratt Whitney Rd.
Lightning is the single greatest cause of wildfires along the Treasure Coast.
In Florida, certain vegetation types can quickly dry out due to sandier soils. A recent dry period during the wet season made the land vulnerable to wildfire ignitions.
A lightning strike has the potential to reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning can instantaneously cause a wildfire on dry vegetation, and lightning ignitions can smolder for days before they start to show visible signs.
In the coming weeks, we should start to see a more consistent rainfall pattern forming along the Treasure Coast. Thunderstorms may appear daily; with this pattern more lightning strikes are common.
If you locate a wildfire, please report it by calling 911. When caught early, wildfires caused by lightning can be quickly managed and suppressed.
Martin County
2012 16/30 = 53%
2011 28/79 = 35%
2010 11/40 = 27%
2009 20/35 = 57%
2008 5/9 = 55%
St. Lucie County
2012 5/14 = 35%
2011 23/49 = 47%
2010 10/25 = 40%
2009 5/21 = 24%
2008 8/17 = 47%
Indian River County
2012 5/11 = 45%
2011 27/43 = 63%
2010 1/19 = 5%
2009 4/10 = 40%
2008 12/27 =44%
Okeechobee County
2012 9/25 = 36%
2011 25/81 = 31%
2010 7/80 = 9%
2009 13/63 = 20%
2008 12/45 =27%
A lightning caused wildfire is nature’s way of cleansing the forest floor of dead debris. When Treasure Coast residents build their houses too close to nature, the natural role of fire can be devastating.
Firewise Tips Include:
(1) Remove anything that will burn from your roof and gutters. That includes pine needles, leaves, small twigs, and palm fronds.
(2) Be sure there is nothing flammable against the sides of your home.
(3) Be sure to use plants that are not highly flammable around your home.
(4) Keep the area within 30 feet of your home picked up, mowed, and watered within the guidelines of local water management.
To learn more FIREWISE tips, please contact your local Florida Forest Service office listed below.
Vero Beach (772) 778-5085
Port St. Lucie (772) 468-3915
Stuart (772) 221-4045
Okeechobee (863) 462-5160
Sebring (863) 655-6407
Palmdale (863) 674-4000
Please visit our website at www.FloridaForestService.com/Wildfire for more information.
