Latest news with #FloridaDivisionofForestry
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Palm Bay's 'Compound' brush fire contained by crews amid burn ban
The Brief Palm Bay Fire Rescue quickly contained a 5-acre brush fire in The Compound with help from the Florida Division of Forestry. The fire, which broke out just after 3 p.m., threatened no homes or structures and was swiftly controlled. Officials are reminding residents that a citywide burn ban remains in effect due to ongoing drought conditions. PALM BAY, Fla. - Palm Bay Fire Rescue quickly contained a 5-acre brush fire in The Compound with help from the Florida Division of Forestry. What we know Palm Bay Fire Rescue crews responded to a fast-moving brush fire just after 3 p.m. on Wednesday in an area known as The Compound. Multiple brush units, engines, and water tenders were dispatched to contain the flames. With assistance from the Florida Division of Forestry, crews were able to limit the fire's spread to roughly five acres. Officials confirmed that no homes or private properties were threatened during the incident. The City of Palm Bay is currently under a burn ban due to ongoing drought conditions, and fire officials are urging residents to remain cautious. What we don't know Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. It's unclear whether it was sparked by human activity or natural causes, such as dry lightning. Officials also have not provided information on whether any injuries occurred among first responders or if wildlife habitats were affected. There's also no word on how long the burn ban will remain in place or if additional restrictions could follow. The backstory The Compound, a remote and undeveloped area in southwest Palm Bay, has been a repeated site of brush fires over the years. The region is known for its dry scrub and vacant lots, making it especially vulnerable during droughts. With Central Florida currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, fire danger has remained elevated for weeks. The city has already issued a burn ban to prevent precisely this kind of situation — fires sparked or spread by careless outdoor burning, fireworks, or discarded smoking materials. What they're saying Officials are urging residents to remain aware of the risks and comply with fire restrictions. "We want to remind everyone that a burn ban remains in effect for the entire city of Palm Bay," fire officials said in a statement. "Please stay vigilant and help us keep our community safe during these ongoing drought conditions." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Palm Bay Fire Rescue.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
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. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX 35 News app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV 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.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Prescribed burns by OUC were conducted to reduce brush buildup that can fuel wildfires
OUC conducted a series of prescribed burns at the Stanton Energy Center as another step toward reducing hazardous buildup and enhancing the habitat for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The demonstration allows residents to learn more about their surrounding habitat and the steps OUC takes to protect it. The utility will burn roughly 70 acres of land following strict guidelines to keep the flames under control—typically no higher than six inches off the ground. Read: WATCH: Driver crashes off overpass and into interstate median Annual burns are also essential to the survival of species with low populations. One such species is the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, a threatened bird that lives in Central Florida and other parts of the Southeastern United States. Read: 5mph adjustment coming to Kissimmee's Downtown speed limit Prescribed burns recycle nutrients into the soil, nurturing plant growth and supporting environmental growth and sustainability. The annual burns prioritized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Division of Forestry and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have provided sustainable and reliable services to our local communities. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
