Brush fire prompts evacuations in Lee County neighborhood

CAPE CORAL, Fla. At least 10 homes were evacuated Saturday due to a 5-acre brush fire, the Cape Coral Fire Department said.

The fire began in a heavily wooded area near Birkdale Avenue and Littlestone Court around 4:32 p.m., then spread to Southeast 24th Avenue, according to fire officials.

The wind played a role in the brush fire, firefighters said. It took crews several hours to contain the flames, creating panic within the community.

“The flames are already up to the top of the trees, maybe 10 yards behind my house,” said Michael Martucci, whose home had to be evacuated. “I got the clothes on my back, a bag of clothes in the trunk and that’s it.”

Only one structure suffered minor damage, the fire department confirmed.

The Red Cross is assisting any displaced residents and firefighters are still monitoring the scene.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.