April 13, 1999
David F. Byron, APR
Community Information Director
5 p.m.FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE IN LAKE HELEN
Volusia County Fire Services, with the assistance of a 15-person Florida Division of Forestry Wildland Firefighting Task Team from the Tallahassee area and several other agencies, spent much of Tuesday working a stubborn 450-acre wildfire in Lake Helen.
The fire, which erupted Monday and threatened nearby residences, was contained but not under control, according to a Fire Services spokesman. About 44 firefighters from numerous agencies, including the DOF reinforcements which arrived Tuesday from the Tallahassee area, spent Tuesday cleaning up and monitoring fire lines. Volusia County Fire Services intended to monitor the fire scene Tuesday night.
Weather permitting, firefighters Wednesday intend to backburn in front of the fire. Backburns are intentional fires which are set to consume fuels so that when the head of the original fire reaches the backburn area there is nothing left to burn, Volusia County Fire Services Battalion Captain John Gillespie.
"We brought in the Tallahassee area Task Team to help relieve the local crews in the containment and mopping up of this fire," Kuypers said. "They will be here as long as they are needed."
Meanwhile, Volusia County Fire Services Tuesday, as a result of Governor Bush’s State of Emergency Declaration, opened a Field Operations Center (FOC) at the County’s Fire Training Center off Indian Lake Road, west of Daytona Beach. A Fire Services spokesman said this action was taken as a result of the still active Lake Helen fire and as an additional readiness step due to the very high fire danger conditions. The FOC will serve as Volusia’s central location for directing wildfire operations.
Although no evacuations were contemplated, residents concerned about what to do with pets or livestock if ordered to evacuate their homes should call Volusia County Animal Control at 943-7895.
"We can answer questions and offer assistance," said Volusia County Animal Control Director Becky Wilson.
Agencies involved in the firefighting effort Tuesday included the city of Ormond Beach, the Division of Forestry, the Salvation Army, and Volusia County Vehicle Maintenance, Corrections and Solid Waste services.
The Salvation Army has served more than 600 meals and more than 1,450 beverages to firefighters and support staff since arriving at the Lake Helen Fire late Monday afternoon.
Previous news releases
Firefighters continue to keep close eye on Lake Helen fire, weather conditions (April 13, 1999)
Firefighters expect to mop up blaze in Lake Helen; No injuries or damages reported (9 p.m., April 12)
Firefighters battle blaze in Lake Helen (4:30 p.m., April 12)
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