130-acre wildfire shuts down I-95 near Brevard-Volusia county line
130-acre wildfire shuts down I-95 near Brevard-Volusia county line
16 November 2010
published by www.palmbeachpost.com
USA — Brevard and Volusia fire crews are battling a wildfire near the county line that has now grown to encompass more than 130 acres, a Brevard County Fire Rescue spokesman said.
Lt. Jeff Taylor said the fire is approaching the Brevard/Volusia county line, as Brevard County Fire Rescue, the Volusia County Fire Department and the Department of Forestry work to contain the flames.
Thus far, the efforts of firefighters have been thwarted by strong winds, fanning the flames of the fire, which was first reported about 11:24 a.m. this morning.
Embers from a controlled burn in the area sparked what was first reported as a one-quarter acre fire that has grown steadily since. The fire was estimated at 20 acres about 2:26 p.m., and had grown to 50 acres just a half-hour later.
Despite the fast development of the fire, Taylor said no structures were endangered as of about 4:15 p.m.
Taylor explained the fire began when a controlled burn in the area “got out of hand” this afternoon.
“A company contracted to clear land for a City of Titusville water main project noticed winds picking up in the area and attempted to stop operations,” Taylor said in a statement. “Winds in the area caused embers from the controlled burn to spot over the fire lines cut and started a small brush fire.”
Interstate 95 is shut down southbound and may soon close in both directions, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
