ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A state of emergency remains in effect in St. Lucie County as officials respond to heightened wildfire risk and dangerously dry conditions.
The order was declared on the Feb. 6 and, under Florida law, can only remain in place for seven days unless extended. Since Friday, Feb. 6, the county has also implemented a burn ban, prohibiting outdoor burning as crews work to prevent additional fires. The declaration follows recent brush fires that sparked in parts of Fort Pierce and neighboring Martin County amid extreme dry conditions.
According to county spokesperson Erick Gill, the state of emergency activates multiple layers of response.
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The Environmental Resources Department under the Board of County Commissioners is engaged, while the county’s Land Division continues managing land and prescribed burns.
Fire personnel remain on call during wildfires, and the emergency declaration gives the county administrator the authority to bypass the normal procurement process to quickly secure equipment and resources if conditions worsen.
County leaders say those emergency powers are critical during fast-moving fire conditions, especially as drought-like weather increases the risk of new flare-ups. Officials stress that even small sparks — from campfires to debris burns — could quickly spread.
Red Flag Warning issued
A Red Flag Warning was also issued today for Southern Brevard, Indian River, St Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties. Low humidity and a southwest wind near 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 to 24 mph, is leading to an increased fire threat throughout the day.
A Red Flag Warning was also issued today for Southern Brevard, Indian River, St Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties. (WPEC)
According to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
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CBS12 News will be speaking with Erick Gill and the St. Lucie County Fire District later today for more insight into how crews are preparing and what residents should expect in the days ahead.