The City of Stuart Fire Department is encouraging citizens to exercise caution as dry conditions persist throughout the region. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, around 86 percent of the area is currently experiencing extreme drought, which raises the risk of wildfires and rapid fire spread.

Officials are reminding the public that open burning is not permitted, and that grills and other outdoor heat sources should be utilized responsibly. Under these conditions, even the smallest spark can start a fire. The department reported responding to more than 20 exterior fires last year and several so far this year, excluding situations where fires had already been doused before personnel arrived. The department has deployed a specially adapted Humvee to support wildland and urban interface responses. The equipment was procured through a collaboration with the Florida Forest Service at no cost to taxpayers. According to fire officials, interagency cooperation is still critical for managing wildfire threats and protecting communities.