April 29, 1999
Holly Smith
Community Information Specialist
FIRE SERVICES ACTIVATES FIELD OPERATIONS CENTER
Volusia County Fire Services has activated the field operations center, 3889 Tiger Bay Road, to keep a close eye on smoke and lightning strikes caused by the severe weather that swept through the County Wednesday. As of midnight, 6,661 lightning strikes were reported in Volusia, Seminole and Brevard counties.
According to Deputy Chief Ken Gaines, Fire Services has received 29 reports of smoke sightings, lightning strikes to woodland areas or flames from residents and the Division of Forestry. Most of these reports were received prior to the heavy rains.
"This morning we have crews surveying the reported incidents to check the status of each," said Gaines. "We’re hoping last night’s rain has extinguished most. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll prioritize our tasks for an extended operation."
Of the 29 possible fires, 17 are now considered extinguished, said Gaines. However, that could change if weather conditions, such as high temperatures, high winds and lack of rain, persist this afternoon.
"Even though we got a lot of rain yesterday, most of it ran off because the area has been so dry," said Gaines. "Crunch time will be around 2 p.m. this afternoon. That’s when the day heats up. We’re hoping for more rain."
Crews are currently surveying the following 11 reported incidents:
Ormond Beach - West of I-95 off SR 40
Edgewater - West of I-95 off 442.
Edgewater - Volco and US 1
Port Orange - Shuntz and Tomoka Farms roads.
Osteen - near Lemon Bluff.
DeBary - Highbanks and Enterprise roads
Oak Hill - Bel Ridge Road off Maytown Road.
Crews from Volusia County Fire Services have been working in conjunction with the Division of Forestry, Salvation Army and Animal Control since Wednesday afternoon.
Comments or questions?
E-mail the
Copyright © 1999 Volusia County, Florida.