VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Crews are battling a 270-acre brush fire kicking up a lot of smoke near Deltona.
The fire was reported Tuesday afternoon near the Deep Creek Preserve, south of State Road 44 and east of I-4.
The fire, which is 80% contained, is not burning near any homes, but the smoke plume is huge. Crews are working on containment lines.
The fire happened on the same day that Volusia County Fire Rescue announced an outdoor burn ban because of high drought conditions.
The burn ban goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and applies to all unincorporated areas, as well as Oak Hill, Lake Helen and Pierson.
Outdoor burning will be restricted until further notice, including burning yard trash, bonfires, campfires, and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking with a contained grill is still allowed.
Violators of the ban may be punished with a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in the county jail.
