Numerous brush fires have been popping up all around the country. While these fires have affected the rest of Florida, they have finally reached the outskirts of an FAU campus.

A brush fire broke out Wednesday, at approximately 5 pm, destroying five acres of a nature trail on the borders of FAU’s Treasure Coast campus.

“The smoke was really bad, it was moving directly towards the building, containing the FAU classrooms,” Beverly Sargent said, FAU’s Treasure Coast campus director. “[But] at most, there were three people in the building at the time.”

Sargent was leaving campus for the day at her usual time of 4:50 pm when she discovered the patch of burning trees. Sargent then called 911 and the St. Lucie Fire Department showed up within seven minutes. FAU Police were aware of the fire and standing by during that time.

The SG Treasure Coast Governor Paul Lowe had been on campus at the time of the fire. “I smelled the smoke, looked out side, and at this point the fire department hadn’t arrived yet,” Lowe said. “I left before the fire department came.”

Sargent felt comfort as soon as help arrived.

“We felt at ease immediately [because of the Fire Fighters].”

To inform students and faculty of the fire, FAU administrators sent out an emailed press release immediately after the fires were restrained.

The staff that was present on campus was informed that there was a brush fire and that the Fire Department had contained it, but to keep watch of it if they were going to stay on campus.

Indian River Community College, who shares FAU’s Treasure Coast campus, did not cancel their classes in result of the fires.

“It was IRCC’s first week of classes,” Sargent said. “I’m sure that their attendance was low [due to the fire].”

Once the Fire Department arrived, FAU and Port St. Lucie Police attempted to keep the general public safe and away from the fire. The Police blocked off a good portion of the roads that lead towards the fire.

Sargent, who was watching from outside the administration building, didn’t understand why people were so amazed with watching the fire.

“On the main road, the general public parked their cars to watch the fire,” Sargent said. “I didn’t realize that people actually like to watch fires that close.”

At one point, the fire jumped the road making its way closer to FAU’s classroom building and picnic area. Fortunately, no harm was done to the buildings.

“[By 7:30 pm], the fire was completely under control,” Sargent said. “There hadn’t been a flair up for 30 minutes prior,” said Sargent.

Cara Perry, director of university relations for the Treasure Coast campus, said that there was no threat to individuals since students and faculty were leaving for the day.

“The fire was one of many,” Perry said. “It’s been really dry lately and the timing was best for safety purposes.”

“We were very fortunate that we were on a break between semesters, or else everything would have been different,” Perry continued.

Sargent commended the St. Lucie Fire Department for controlling the fire.

“The Fire Department did an excellent job of taking care of everything,” Sargent said. “Even with the shortage of fire fighters who were sent to Flagler County to fight their brush fires.”

Lowe, who evacuated before firefighters arrived, doesn’t think that students will even be aware of the damage.

“I’m sure students wont even know that their was a fire until they get to school on Monday,” Lowe said.