VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Fire crews battled a fast-moving brush fire on Thursday afternoon that scorched more than 330 acres near the Samsula Landfill.
Dubbed the “Honeydew Fire” by officials, the blaze ignited near State Road 44 and Tomoka Farms Road during rush hour, fueled by strong winds that helped it spread rapidly. Volusia County fire officials said the fire grew to 336 acres by Thursday evening. By Friday morning, it was reported as 80% contained.
“I answered the phone. She was like, ‘Yo, we are getting evacuated? There’s a fire going on right across the street,’” said Cody Reeves, a local resident who quickly packed essentials and moved his family to safety.
Reeves said fire crews informed him that as long as winds continued blowing east, his home would likely remain safe. However, a shift in wind direction could have posed a serious threat.
Firefighters used helicopters to drop water over the blaze as part of their containment efforts.
“I could not have… I have three kids, man,” Reeves said. “If I lost a whole house and everything, I’d be cooked.”
Officials urged residents to remain cautious amid ongoing high wind advisories and to refrain from any outdoor burning.
The Florida Forest Service, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department all responded to the fire. No injuries have been reported.