BRUSH FIRE UPDATE:
Here are some photos taken yesterday from MCSO Air1.
The fires caused heavy smoke throughout the area, and will continue to do so for the next couple of days. Please be careful when driving because smoke may hamper visibility.
All main roads have re-opened, and all residents who were evacuated have returned to their homes.
More than 1100 homes were without power. FPL reports all power has been restored.
There were no reports of any major structural damage or injuries.
MCSO Agricultural Deputies relocated about 50 cows as flames from the fire along Pratt Whitney neared closer to the animals.
Experts say conditions for brush fires are prime at this time.
The Martin County Health Department issued this alert last night:
Drifting smoke can cause:
- coughing
- scratchy throat
- irritated sinuses
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- headache
- stinging eyes
- runny nose
People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the following ways: inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. Contact your doctor with any concerns.
You can limit your exposure to the smoke by:
- Staying indoors whenever possible
- Using air conditioners (air conditioned homes usually have lower air exchange rates than homes that use open windows for ventilation)
- Using mechanical air cleaners
- Keeping windows closed while driving in a vehicle
- Minimizing other sources of air pollution (smoking tobacco, burning candles or incense and vacuuming)