Wildfires Ravage Central Florida Forcing Evacuations
May 13, 2008
Daytona Beach, Florida (WiredPRNews.com) — In the wake of several natural disasters leaving millions dead, with survivors homeless and injured, news comes from central Florida that dry weather combined with wind has ignited approximately 3,000 acres land into miles of flames. The residents of Florida’s central Atlantic coast have been ordered to evacuate enabling firefighters to contain the blaze and what is left of property.
The Division of Forestry spokesman, Timber Weller, noted that Daytona Beach has been the city most engulfed in flames with helicopters steadily dropping water on the land below. According to the Associated Press, “Authorities ordered about 500 homes in the northwest part of the city to be evacuated. No homes were reported damaged, though officials warned that embers could fly more than a mile from the blaze. A 5-mile stretch of road through Daytona Beach was shut down because the fire was too close.”
Florida officials note that the flames began late Sunday night consuming a combined area of almost 7 miles of Brevard and Volusia counties. At one point during the blaze, state officials were forced to shut down Interstate 95 causing great delays, as the interstate is a major north-south running highway. Interstate 95 has since been reopened in time for Monday rush hour traffic.
By Monday afternoon, the wildfires engulfed nearly 1,000 acres of rural land in Volusia county and is only 20% contained. Brevard county has watched as 3,000 acres have been swallowed in flames. It is reported that approximately 590 homes are under mandatory evacuations, while 85 other residents are on standby for further instructions.
Central Florida News 13 reported that residents are setting up their outdoor sprinklers in their rooftops in an effort to hinder the blazes to their homes, while firefighters rescued 300 animals from a local shelter and placed them at a nearby fairground.
Three of the four wildfires have been brought under control, however the fourth is still underway as of press time on Monday. Although firefighters are working diligently to contain the fires, the Florida Division of Forestry still warns that the dry and windy conditions are making it increasingly difficult to contain the fires.
100 additional firefighters were called in to duty on Monday to battle the Brevard county blazes. Sadly, investigators think some of the fires may have been set intentionally and arson is being investigated.
Wired News Reporter
