Charlotte County's drought sparks fire safety concerns

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Charlotte County is facing an extreme drought, and the evidence is clear in the dry brush covering the area on Friday. Residents say it's the worst they've seen in years.

Fire officials emphasize that small preventative measures can make a big difference in reducing fire risks. They advise clearing dry brush around homes, properly extinguishing cigarettes, and never leaving open flames unattended.

The threat is real, as last year a 200-acre fire swept through Myakka State Forest. With the current drought, it doesn’t take much for a fire to ignite.

Neighbors are doing their part by trimming what they can and staying vigilant. However, officials remind everyone that one careless cigarette or spark can lead to devastating consequences.