Florida Brush Fires Keep Firefighters Busy

April 17, 2006
The flames came dangerously close to a small strip mall that burned more than 25 acres.

Firefighters in Brevard County are starting to feel the pressure from what's been an increasingly busy fire season. They were called to three different brush fires in the Melbourne area on Sunday, including one off Wickham Road.

The flames came dangerously close to a small strip mall that burned more than 25 acres.

Many of these firefighters were already tired. They had just gotten done with yet another fire when one in West Melbourne came relatively close to homes.

The bone dry conditions and low humidity has meant constant work for some firefighters.

It was a very busy Easter Sunday for Lieutenant Glenn Smith. "It's exhausting to be out here for hours, fighting fire, trying to stay hydrating they say in the hot conditions but it's tough to do," Smith said.

Firefighters typically work a 48-hour shift. They're used to many calls, but even veterans said this many fires is getting to be too much.

The number of fires has actually caused the Melbourne Fire Department to change it's policy. It will now send more trucks and more crews when they get a brush fire call.

The hope is, with more firefighters, they can get the brush fires put out quickly.

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