Wet Weather Saturates Area
Wet Weather Saturates Area
19 May 2009
published by www.cfnews13.com
USA — Wet weather continues its trek through Central Florida as showers and thunderstorms soaked the region over the weekend.
Althought it hasn’t been confirmed, a bolt of lightning may be responsible for damage to a house in Winter Park.
A city worker saw flames and smoke coming from a house on Temple Trail around noon Monday.
Firefighters responded quickly, and were able to confine the damage to the attic and one side of the house.
However, they were hampered by a propane tank that was feeding the fire.
No one was home at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, a flood warning is in effect flor Flagler County until 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. A flood watch is in effect through Wednesday evening for Flagler and Marion counties.
According to News 13 Meteorologist Dave Cocchiarella, County Road 35 west of Bunnell is washed out at state Road 100.
The weather came to the rescue for many area firefighters who have been stretched thin battling several brush fires in Central Florida.
Daylong showers are giving them time to dig extra lines and bringing down the risk of spot over fires.
Division of Forestry firefighters are taking advantage of these downpours to try to knock out a smoldering brush fire that may be down for the count, but not completely out.
However, a rainy day like Monday is not a day of rest. It’s a day to catch up.
“It buys us some time on those hot spots. The dozers are getting in working in the rain. The guys have been working really hard just to contain it,” said Jeff Johnson from the Division of Forestry.
Meanwhile, the spot over threat is completely out.
One fire near Osteen Maytown Road, dubbed the Break One fire, is a spot over fire from one of the larger blazes. Firefighters said they still need a good dousing to completely put out the flames.
The Break One fire quickly raged from 500 acres to as many as 1,000 acres. It is only 20 percent contained.
The Dragonfly fire near Lake Harney also continues to burn, having already charred 4,500 acres. It is 65 percent contained and only two crews are working that fire.
Firefighters said that may change if the forecast for more rain throughout the week holds true.
As many as 185 firefighters were called on to battle various brush fires in the area. Many will continue mopping up, dowsing areas that could rekindle if left simmering underground.
Officials said the number may be scaled back if rains extinguish the fire threat all together.
The Farmington fire burning near state Road 46 has grown to 1,612 acres and is 20 percent contained.
