Brush fire near New Smyrna Beach grows as crews work to contain flames
The Brief
A 100-acre brush fire near New Smyrna Beach is spreading, prompting a travel advisory.
Fire crews and helicopters are working to contain the blaze, with no evacuations yet ordered.
Residents remain on standby as officials monitor the situation.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - A 100-acre brush fire near New Smyrna Beach is spreading, prompting a travel advisory.
What we know
Fire crews in Volusia County are actively battling a brush fire near New Smyrna Beach. Officials reported that the fire had already burned approximately 75 acres before 5 p.m. and was continuing to spread. By 7 p.m., it had grown to 100 acres.
The thick smoke in the area has prompted a travel advisory near Cucumber Lane and Honeydew Lane.
The Florida Division of Forestry, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and New Smyrna Beach Fire Department are on scene with aerial support from Air One, the Volusia Sheriff's Office helicopter. They are working to contain the blaze.
The helicopter was actively scooping water from a nearby residential lake to drop over the flames.
What we don't know
Authorities have not provided an estimate on when the fire will be fully contained or what may have sparked it. While there are no evacuation orders currently in place, the situation remains fluid, and residents are on alert. The extent of any potential damage to wildlife or infrastructure is unclear, as is the overall impact on air quality for nearby communities.
The backstory
Brush fires are not uncommon in Florida, particularly during dry conditions in the springtime. Volusia County has seen similar wildfires in the past, often exacerbated by windy weather and a lack of significant rainfall. Fire officials are employing aerial water drops and ground containment measures to prevent the fire from spreading to residential areas.
This fire is part of a broader pattern of seasonal wildfires that impact Central Florida. While local agencies are responding with significant resources, wildfires like this highlight ongoing concerns about fire preparedness and environmental factors that contribute to their frequency. If conditions worsen, authorities may need to issue evacuation orders or implement further containment strategies to protect homes and businesses in the region.
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The Source
The information in this article comes from the Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association, the Florida Division of Forestry, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and New Smyrna Beach Fire Department.
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