With the cool, dry temperatures that are teaming up with gusty winds and low humidity to create perfect brush fire conditions in Lehigh Acres
The Florida Forest Service does fuel mitigation year round, but this week they’re focusing on West 9th Street in Lehigh Acres.
We are looking to reduce the amount of fuel available to a wildfire in the event that one does start,” said Heather Ferrand, Florida Forest Service.
Florida Forest Service Crews are currently on standby as the threat increases. The drought index is between 550 and 599 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier and DeSoto counties.
“The longer we’ve had without rain, the higher the index goes,” explained Ferrand.
Factors that make it worse are low humidity, cool temperatures, gusty winds and where you live.
“If you have homes intermixed with wild lands, you have a higher risk just because of the fuel level and fuel continuity,” explained Ferrand.