VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A growing wildfire prompted officials to close Tiger Bay State Forest in Volusia County on Sunday “for the safety of visitors as well as our wildland firefighters.”
According to a tweet Monday from the Florida Forest Service, the fire has grown to over 1,860 acres and is 85% contained.
“Smoke is impacting some roadways and communities throughout Volusia County (Monday) morning,” the tweet said. “If you see smoke on the roadway, slow down and use caution.”
Fire officials said no homes or businesses are in danger.
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The fire danger in Central Florida remains elevated due to dry conditions and near record high temperatures.
The forest will remain closed until further notice.
Fire officials also closed Rima Ridge Road on Tiger Bay State Forest from State Road 40 south to Indian Lake Road as a result of the blaze.
Tiger Bay State Forest, located about 7 miles west of Daytona Beach, consists of large areas of swamp with embedded pine islands and a large pine ridge area.
Tiger Bay was severely impacted by wildfires in the summer of 1998 summer. About 15,000 acres of the forest were burned during the catastrophic wildfires.
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The #doublegate Fire is now 85% contained at 1866 acres. The #pinewood Fire is now 100% contained at 111 acres. Residents and visitors will see and smell smoke throughout the evening. Remember, if you see smoke on the roadways, slow down and drive with caution. pic.twitter.com/npfWs0aSzp
— FFS Bunnell (@FFS_Bunnell) March 28, 2023
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