Florida brush fire spreads from 50 to 100 acres in an hour forcing evacuations.
Stuart, FL (JusticeNewsFlash.com)–Winds blowing off Dixie Highway, north of Baker Road, at 20 mph, continue to drive a brush fire in Stuart, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon. According to Martin County Sheriff’s deputies, the fire forced the evacuation of 800 students and 80 staff at Felix A. Elementary School at about 1 p.m. The State Division of Forestry reports up to 100 homes have already been evacuated in the Baker Road area, and the American Red Cross announced the shelter at the Stuart Recreation Center, located at 201 SW Flagler, near City Hall, opens at 4 p.m. for displaced residents.
The Palm Beach Post reported the blaze is under way and fire crews from the state Division of Forestry, Stuart Fire Department, and Martin County Fire Rescue continue to battle the blaze. Two-thirds of Martin County is in the 600-700 range of the drought index which runs from 0-800. The National Weather Service uses the Keetch-Byram Drought Index and predicts the high winds will continue until sunset and then possibly slow to 10 mph. No injuries have been reported but the fire has already caused damages to property, fences and signs.
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