Children set North Fort Myers brush fire

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NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. A fire that burned 70 acres and threatened homes Monday in Suncoast Estates was set by children, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

The children, whose names and ages weren’t provided, will be enrolled in a fire and arson awareness course but won’t face charges. About 90 percent of the fires across the state this year were sparked by humans, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said.

Monday’s fire was started at 1731 Case Lane. Betty Logan, who lives there, said she saw flames overnight, hours after the fire was contained.

“Got up at 2 a.m., [went to] the toilet and thought, man, it’s rather bright out,” Logan said. “I know it’s a full moon, but got curious, got up and saw flames.”

Logan was pleased with Gov. Rick Scott’s decision Tuesday to declare a state of emergency in response to 107 wildfires burning around Florida.

“I’m glad that he did that, because it does need to happen, because this is a very dangerous time,” she said. “The ground is so doggone dry and the grass crunches under your feet because it is just that dry.”

Logan took Tuesday off to deal with hot spots still smoldering on her property, as she told WINK News reporter Jessica Alpern via Facebook Live:

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