VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A wildfire Wednesday in Daytona Beach shut down Clyde Morris Boulevard in both directions, and dangerous conditions -- and a strong smell -- linger.
Fire officials said the road was closed from Big Tree Road to Pine Street. The roadway was later reopened, but visibility concerns exist Thursday morning. Officials said the fire was about 1.8 acres in size and put as many as 15 homes at risk.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
About 12 brush fires have burned across Volusia County since Wednesday.
“We haven’t seen things like this since ‘98, when we had brush fires everywhere,” Lt. Antwan Lewis told News 6. “We’re urging everyone: no open-burning under any circumstances through this dry season right now.”
Lewis added that it was fortunate the fire sparked in the middle of the day, when fire crews were better able to respond. He added that recent weather contributed to the fires.
“It is the season when we don’t have enough rain. The vegetation does dry out, and it becomes susceptible to igniting under the slightest conditions,” he said.
Jordan Snipes, an Edgewater resident, was driving on his way to pick up a friend Wednesday afternoon when he spotted smoke. He told News 6 that it didn’t seem normal, so he walked into the brush.
“As soon as we walk in the woods, you see a wall of flames,” he said.
Snipes said that he then contacted the fire department.
“We know there’s houses right around there, and we were worried for the people around in the houses.” Snipes said. “We watched it move 75 yards into the woods, almost to the road within a few minutes.”
Check back here for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: