Watch Online

Watch Online
LIVE: newscasts on the Web

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

3,000 Acres Burn In Volusia/Brevard

Voluntary Evacuations Under Way

POSTED: Monday, May 11, 2009
UPDATED: 8:55 am EDT May 12, 2009

A rapidly growing brush fire that stretches from Volusia to Brevard County has scorched more than 3,000 acres, potentially threatening more than 220 homes.

The fire is burning near the Lake Harney Woods subdivision in Volusia County, but it stretches into Brevard County, west of Mims. The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. Sunday, covering 10 acres at that time.

Four spot fires formed Monday morning at the northwest edge of blaze, two of which have joined, causing a major problem, firefighters said.

Firefighters from six agencies were battling the blaze, but it remains uncontained. About 20 structures were being protected with fire lines the size of a two-lane road.

"The wind is starting to shift now, so where the fire had mostly been leaving the subdivision it's now heading back toward the subdivision, a Division of Forestry official told WKMG-TV.

Although some residents have evacuated voluntarily, no mandatory evacuations have been ordered.

"Devastation. I freaked out because I wasn't even here," said Janice Kaplan, who removed her pets from her property but could not locate five of her cats. "It took me an hour to get home to get my animals. I got them out last night. This is scary. This is really scary."

No roads have been closed in the area.

Three firefighters have been injured battling the blaze. A firefighter on Monday was treated for smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, brush fires in Lake and Orange counties continues to burn. Lake County firefighters said they're concerned shifting winds could help fuel the 150-acre blaze near Sorrento. A brush fire in Christmas, which may have been ignited by lightning, is burning near state Road 520, although no homes were threatened by flames.
Text Size
Text Size
The views expressed are not those of News4Jax.com, WJXT or its affiliated companies. This is a community moderated forum. (Please note the 'Like' and 'Report' tabs.) By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'

    • Cheerleaders Rally Troops

      Sweethearts for SoldiersTwenty eight NFL and NBA cheerleaders use their dance skills and personalities to raise the morale of soldiers both at home and overseas.

    • Images: Funeral Escort Hurt In Crash

      Motorcycle escort downA retired police officer leading a funeral on his motorcycle was injured when a car turned into his path on Atlantic Boulevard Wednesday afternoon. Slideshow | Full Story

    • Heidi Klum Wows At Victoria's Secret Show

      Heidi Klum and her post-baby body led the parade at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which returned to New York with some fresh faces after four years on the road.