The Brief
- Lightning storms have triggered more than 80 brush fires this month across Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto and Charlotte Counties.
- Extra fire tractors and engines are arriving from neighboring districts to assist local crews.
- Fire officials urge residents to do their part to make sure wildfires are not started.
MYAKKA CITY, Fla. – Emergency crews are battling a number of wildfires sparked by heavy lightning and severe drought conditions across Southwest Florida.
Florida Forest Service response
What we know:
The Florida Forest Service Myakka River District has responded to more than 35 wildfires since Monday. Firefighters across Manatee and Sarasota counties have battled over 80 brush fires this month alone, which are primarily caused by afternoon thunderstorms bringing damaging lightning but very sparse rain.
To help manage their call demand, additional fire tractors and engines from the Caloosahatchee and Okeechobee districts are being staged in the area.
Fires kept crews busy this week
By the numbers:…