‘I was afraid’: Charlotte County residents react to brush fires

Multiple brush fires burned Sunday afternoon and evening off El Jobean Road, according to Charlotte County Fire and EMS spokesperson Dee Hawkins.

The 13 fires burning throughout the area were being classified as suspicious, Hawkins said. The fires were off of Jacobs Street as well as off Biscayne Drive. Both roads are closed to traffic.

Jacobs Rd at State Road 776, north for approximately 1 mile and Biscayne Rd at State Road 776, north for approximately 1 mile is closed due

— Charlotte County Sheriff's Office-Sheriff Prummell (@CCSOFLSheriff) February 4, 2018

Charlotte County resident Stephanie Direnzo spoke of her fear of the flames.

“I was afraid,” Direnzo said. “I was more afraid now than I was with Irma.”

Direnzo said she prepared to leave her home in the event of an evacuation.

“I ran into the house and started packing up all my valuables and suitcase, and I’m all ready to go,” Direnzo said.

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for a red older model four-door vehicle believed to be in connection with the brush fires.

“Be diligent. Keep your eyes open,” Hawkins said. “If you see anything, don’t hesitate to call it in if you think is suspicious.”

Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s office at 941-639-2101 immediately or 911.

WINK News viewer Jordan Bellar captured video of a chopper getting water to work to extinguish the flames:

WINK News reporters Chris Grisby and Oliver Redsten had team coverage showcasing the smoke and flames of the possibly suspicious brush fires: