Brush fire near Bluefield Preserve continues to produce smoke; no threats to structures

Colleen Wixon, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Updated ·1 min read

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Residents may see or smell smoke from a brush fire Saturday that is burning about 275 acres near Bluefield Ranch Preserve. An active wildfire reported late Saturday near the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierce also could pose a health risk, health officials warned.

County environmental resources staff and the St. Lucie County Fire District worked jointly with the fire in western St. Lucie County, according to social media posted by St. Lucie County. The fire poses no immediate threat to any structures, the post said.

The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County issued a warning Saturday, saying the smoke posed a potential health risk. The health department updated its warning Saturday night for those near the fairgrounds at Peacock and Okeechobee roads, where firefighters responded to a wildfire.

"Smoke can irritate your respiratory system and can cause symptoms such as scratchy throat,irritated eyes and nose, and coughing," the Health Department statement said. "Additionally, smoke can potentially worsen asthma and other chronic lung or heart conditions."

Those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, allergies or chronic lung or heart conditions should contact their doctor if symptoms worsen, the statement said.

A brush fire in western St. Lucie County ignited by a lightning strike last Thursday near Bluefield Road was 95% contained earlier this week.
A brush fire in western St. Lucie County ignited by a lightning strike last Thursday near Bluefield Road was 95% contained earlier this week.

The fire has been flaring on and off for about a week, officials said, but has posed no threat. The Florida Forest Service has been containing the fire, with assistance from local agencies.

Smoke lingers from 252-acre brush fire in western St. Lucie County that's nearly out

The fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike, generated smoke that was seen as far north as Sebring, Forest Service spokesman David Grubich said Tuesday.

Staff writer Melissa E. Holsman contributed to this report.

Colleen Wixon is a reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers. Contact her at colleen.wixon@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Brush fire near Bluefield Preserve continues to produce smoke in SLC