North Fort Myers brush fire ruled arson

Published: Updated:
Sam Jones / WINK News

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. The brush fire that threatened six homes Sunday near the Lee County Civic Center has been ruled arson, the Bayshore Fire Department said.

The flames began around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of Bentwood Court and Old Bayshore Road. It was extinguished by 9 p.m., but forestry officials plan to return to the scene of the fire Tuesday to check for any hot spots.

Two juveniles were playing with an aerosol can and a lighter at the time the blaze began. Although they attempted to find a fire extinguisher, the flames spread beyond their control, according to fire officials.

The blaze burned 7 acres, fire officials said Monday. That’s smaller than Sunday’s 15-acre estimate.

Dry conditions played a role in making the fire as large as it was, according to Bayshore Fire Chief Lawrence Nesbit.

“As of right now we’re seeing about one a day, on average, sometimes even more,” Nesbit said. “So our fire activity for this time of year is a lot higher than it normally is.”

The juveniles called 911 to report the fire, which remains under investigation, fire officials said. They have been placed in a juvenile fire setter program that teaches fire safety, Nesbit said.

They may face additional punishment if they’re formally charged with arson.

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