VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association announced Saturday that firefighters were responding to a “major” brush fire near Osteen that started around noon.
Officials with Volusia County Fire Rescue stated the fast-moving fire was on the east side of Pell Road with a few small “spot” fires that crossed over to the west side.
The Florida Forest Service - Bunnell District was listed among what appeared to at least a dozen units working the scene, including multiple dozers and further help from Seminole County. The post described the scene as having multiple spot fires and otherwise warned people to be aware of crews working in the area.
Crews from the Deltona Fire Department and the DeBary Fire Department were on hand helping to battle the blaze as well, officials said.
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Scott Smoak with Volusia County Fire Recue said that the closest building to the fire was about several hundred yards away and that multiple fire units were working to protect the structures.
“We are extremely dry, especially in this part of the county,” Smoak said.
Elizabeth Rice and several other Osteen residents who live off of Pell Road near the blaze were waiting for hours until they could go home.
“Pray for this community. These are good people. They work hard. I don’t want anyone to lose their place or their animals,” Rice said.
Initially reported as 175-acres, a spokesperson for Volusia County Fire Rescue later said the the fire grew 250 acres. The fire was 25% contained as of 10 p.m. and 90% contained as of around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, officials said.
Rice said she has seen several fires spark up in this area and she’s hoping people heed the warnings.
No injuries have been reported and no structures were at risk or damaged as of Sunday morning, according to Volusia County and Seminole County fire officials.
According to a news release, the Volusia County Fairgrounds have been arranged to shelter affected residents’ large animals if needed.
“While there is currently no need to evacuate the area, the Emergency Management Division is positioned to utilize the emergency notification system to inform residents in the impacted areas about potential refuge for them and their animals and communicate any other relevant information as needed,” the release read in part.
If you have to travel through the area, fire officials ask people to drive slow and watch out for the smoke lingering in the air.
Note: This map depicts the general area of this fire and not necessarily its exact location.
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