There were several fires around the Treasure Coast this weekend.
Investigators are looking into what caused a fire at a home in St. Lucie County.
Firefighters arrived to find the home smothered in fire. Witnesses told authorities they heard an explosion just before seeing all the flames. Fire investigators believe the fire began in the southwest part of the home. No one was hurt. A vacant structure nearby had some heat damage.
And another homeowner was forced to stay with relatives after a fire destroyed their home in Okeechobee. It happened last week at a home on SE 23rd Street. Okeechobee County Fire Rescue says an unattended pot of grease on the stove started the fire. No one was hurt.
There was a house fire in Sebastian. The family was away in Daytona and the person watching the house was killed.
There was a brush fire at Peterson Rd and Jenkins Road in Fort Pierce. The call came in at noon and the fire moved quickly through about 10 acres and came within 50 yards of a development.
Then there was a fire at a Nativity Scene in Stuart.
It was located on Alhambra Avenue and Seville Street Saturday night.
The fire then spread to a manufactured home behind it while a couple was inside, unaware of the blaze.
Neighbors said they were able to wake up the couple inside and rescue them before first responders arrived.
Message from the Florida Forest Service
A message issued from the Florida Forest Service December 30 that due to the humidity at less than 20%, 15mph sustained winds with gusts at more than 20mph, a drought index of 534, and a high dispersion rate- we are under extreme fire conditions.
A high dispersion rate means that embers from a fire can rise and travel farther distances, while remaining lit longer, creating spot over fires downwind of the original fire.
Everyone should exercise extreme caution and report any sightings of fire immediately by calling 911.