Palm Bay Fire Rescue responded to 13 brush fires in January 2025 but saw that number jump to 39 in January 2026. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb says the department is now keeping engine and truck companies fully staffed at all times and adding personnel to brush vehicles on high-risk days. The change comes as the city faces a surge in wildfires linked to dry vegetation from a recent cold snap. "We’re going to leave our engine and our truck companies up with full staffing and then we’re just going to put staffing on our brush vehicles, so we have a quicker response," Ringleb said. Firefighters recently battled a fast-moving blaze near Day Avenue that threatened homes. Novlett Dunbar was at a funeral when flames approached her Palm Bay house. "If it wasn’t for the grace of God most of us would not have a house to sleep in," she said. Palm Bay Fire Rescue and neighboring departments saved an estimated $17.4 million in property during the incident. Ringleb warned conditions remain dangerous, though he noted current risks differ from the 2008 Mother’s Day fires that were intentionally set. The department urges residents to clear dry brush from homes and report fires immediately. Fire officials say the cold snap has killed more vegetation than typical drought conditions, increasing fuel for potential blazes. The city is also preparing for the peak fire season, which typically runs from March to June. Residents are being asked to store flammable materials indoors and avoid outdoor burning. "Some residents have compared current conditions to the devastating Mother’s Day fires of 2008," Ringleb said. "But we’re not in drought conditions at that level." Firefighters are conducting door-to-door inspections in high-risk areas and distributing fire prevention kits. The department plans to expand its community education programs in the next month.