PSL 70-acre wildfire prompted evacuations and turnpike shutdown

PSL 70-acre wildfire prompted evacuations and turnpike shutdown

Port St Lucie, Fl -A 70-acre wildfire in Port St Lucie prompted the evacuation of dozens of homes and caused authorities to completely shut down the turnpike. The fire started near Wake Road just off of South Bend, and quickly spread in the late afternoon and early evening hours as residents were returning home from work. St Lucie Fire Chief Nate Spera said the wind played a major factor, helping the fire double in size in under an hour.

#PortStLucie #LuckWildfire
Last update for the night.
Three @StLucieFireDist brush trucks will remain throughout the night. FL Forest Service will remain on scene until the fire is secure. Fire is still 100% contained at 70 acres. pic.twitter.com/LX7ChPxIWi

— FFS Okeechobee (@FFS_Okeechobee) March 30, 2018

A total of 40 homes were evacuated. Port St Lucie Police Chief John Bolduc explained why it’s so important to leave when first responders ask you to evacuate.

The chief said only two residents pushed back when asked to evacuate, but ultimately both left when the fire started to get closer. No homes were damaged, but some vinyl sheds and fences melted. The fire is 100% contained.