FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUE TO KEEP CLOSE EYE ON LAKE HELEN FIRE, WEATHER CONDITIONS

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April 13, 1999, 12:30 p.m.
Cindy Hancock Finney
Community Information Specialist
FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUE TO KEEP CLOSE EYE ON LAKE HELEN FIRE, WEATHER CONDITIONS

Volusia County firefighters Tuesday were keeping a close eye on wind and weather conditions as they continued efforts to control a 450-acre brush fire northeast of Lake Helen.

"The worst time for us weather-wise will be 1:30-4 p.m. today," said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Pocica. "If the wind shifts, the fire could threaten some homes. In addition, the heat dispersion index is three times the acceptable level. This means the heat is not being released in to the atmosphere, which can cause the fire to spread quickly. "

No homes have been damaged, but one boat and a trailer have been destroyed by the blaze. No injuries have been reported.

"The fire is contained -- ringed by fire breaks -- but still unstable," said Pocica. "We had some spotting (burning embers) across the lines."

The fire which began at noon Monday quickly consumed more than 400 acres near Lemon and Prevatt avenues. The blaze came close to the Lake Helen Mobile Villa, a retirement community of about 250 manufactured homes, and also to about 25 or more homes scattered near Ohio Avenue.

Governor Jeb Bush has declared a State of Emergency for Florida which should free additional resources for Volusia and other counties plagued by wildfires in recent weeks. Volusia County Fire Services is setting up an area command center at the Fire Science Training Institute in Daytona Beach to serve as a central location for directing wildfire operations should additional fires occur.

In addition to firefighters from area municipalities, the firefighting effort also has been aided by inmates from the Volusia County Correctional Center.

"Using the inmates to mop up fires allows us to use firefighters for the initial attack, " said Terry Moore, Volusia County Public Protection Service Center Director. "It keeps firefighters from getting burned out during the tedious clean up operations and allows them to be relocated as needed."

Previous news releases

Firefighters battle blaze in Lake Helen (4:30 p.m., April 12)

Firefighters expect to mop up blaze in Lake Helen; No injuries or damages reported (9 p.m., April 12)

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