Brevard brush fire destroys 4 homes, damages several others

COCOA, Fla. – A brush fire that broke out Friday in Brevard County, forcing evacuations and damaging homes, is now 100% contained, officials said.

The fire burned in Sharpes near Cocoa and scorched nine homes, four of which were destroyed, according to fire officials.

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Officials initially said five homes were destroyed but later clarified that one of them had previously been destroyed in another fire.

Video from Sky 6 shows flames burning in a backyard and a large plume of smoke blowing over a neighborhood.

“I was just scared,” Sheila Clemmons, who lost her home, said.

Don Walker, Brevard Emergency Management spokesperson, said that 50 homes were evacuated in a four-block area.

Walker said the homes in the area were mobile homes, with a lot of wood involved.

“Someone said, ‘Hey, your roof is on fire,’ and the tree started on fire. So I just got everything out that I could,” said John Fanton after losing his home.

One firefighter was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion.

Red Cross says it has a team out to help residents who may be displaced by the fire.

Crews said all pets affected by the evacuations have been reunited with their owners.

Brevard County was listed in the “high” category for fire danger on Friday, according to FFS. “High” is third on a scale of 1-5, with “low” being No. 1 and “extreme” being No. 5.

Check back for updates.