Latest news with #VolusiaCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews Make Significant Progress on Volusia County Brush Fire; Burn Ban Now in Effect
Firefighters have made significant progress overnight in battling a large brush fire near Ranchette and Holly roads, west of New Smyrna Beach. What was a 105-acre blaze with only 5% containment last night is now reported to be **more than 80% contained**, according to the latest updates from Volusia County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. Our crew got an up-close look at the firefighting efforts this morning, riding along with the Florida Forest Service as they worked to aggressively contain what is now a 270-plus acre fire. Heavy dozers could be seen tearing through thick brush to widen existing fire lines, a crucial tactic to prevent the flames from spreading further, especially near residential areas. 'They are widening the fire lines to stop the fire from progressing,' explained Deputy Chief Sean Gallagher with the Florida Forest Service. He added that after smaller plows create an initial line, 'we send in these heavy dozers to widen the line... wide enough so that the flame won't just lean across our line and start a fire on the other side.' The biggest concern for crews continues to be the fire burning behind homes in the area. While no evacuations are currently in place, Volusia County Fire Rescue units remain on standby to protect structures if needed. The intense heat of the fire has also impacted infrastructure, with FPL crews on scene assessing damage to power poles. **Burn Ban Now Active** As of **12:01 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 16th**, a county-wide outdoor burn ban is now in effect for the unincorporated areas of Volusia County, as well as Oak Hill, Lake Helen, and Pierson. This ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service. This includes burning yard waste, paper products, campfires, and cooking fires in open pits. Contained gas or charcoal grills are still permitted for cooking. Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King stated the ban is necessary due to severe drought conditions, with the county's Keetch-Byram Drought Index at a concerning 517. Violators of the burn ban could face fines up to $500 and/or jail time. Officials are urging all residents to be extremely cautious and to follow wildfire safety tips, including properly disposing of cigarettes, avoiding parking hot cars on dry grass, and ensuring equipment has working spark arresters. Crews will continue to work towards full containment of the brush fire today. Stay with WFTV Channel 9 Eyewitness News for the latest updates on this developing situation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
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.
