Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Ancient Oaks Trail At Weldon B. Lewis Park Closed Through Weekend

St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department has closed the Ancient Oaks Preserve at Weldon B. Lewis through Sunday, April 8 as crews from the Florida Forest Service and St. Lucie County Fire District continue to monitor a brush fire that was contained on Tuesday.

The wildfire started yesterday around noon and came within 50 feet from a nearby residence before firefighters were able to contain the blaze. The fire was feeding off the dead hurricane vegetation accumulating on the forest floor.

State and County firefighters will continue to monitor any hot smoldering debris at the 38-acre preserve. Heavy equipment will remain on site through the weekend, so crews can push down dead trees and overgrown vegetation. Smoke from the site may continue to be an issue throughout the day. Please use caution when driving in this area.

Forestry officials want to remind residents to keep their yards “lean, clean and green.” This is the time make sure your home can survive a wildfire. Remove anything that will burn from your roof and gutters, including pine needles, leaves, small twigs and palm fronds. Be sure there is nothing flammable against the sides of your home. Be sure to use plants that are not highly flammable around your home. Keep the area within 30 feet of your home picked up, mowed, and watered within the guidelines of local water management.

St. Lucie County officials expect to reopen the one-mile trail at Ancient Oaks Preserve on Monday, April 9. Ancient Oaks is located within the Weldon B. Lewis Park, 4650 Oleander Ave. The rest of Weldon B. Lewis Park, including the multi-use fields, restrooms and playground, remains open.

For more information about the County's environmental preserves contact the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department at 772-462-2526 or visit: www.stlucieco.gov/erd. For more information about Weldon B. Lewis Park contact the St. Lucie County Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department at 772-462-1522.