OAK HILL -- Firefighters from Division of Forestry, Volusia County Fire Services and additional task force teams of city firefighters are working six active fires throughout the county this morning, including a 35-acre fire in Oak Hill near Volco and Beacon Light roads.
Crews remained on scene overnight, with mop up operations expected to continue at all locations throughout the day today, Volusia County spokeswoman Joanne Megley said, adding, of the Oak Hill fire in particular, "There were a number of homes threatened, but no evacuations were ordered."
Megley said residents are advised to remain vigilant of their surroundings and be prepared to listen to direction given by law enforcement and/or fire service officials if conditions warrant action.
A Maytown Road fire has burned an estimated 1,200 acres according to the Division of Forestry. Maytown Road remains closed from Gobblers Lodge Road east to Bell Ridge Road west. The fire area runs along both sides of Maytown Road, with numerous damaged trees that pose a significant hazard to motorists as well as limited visibility from the smoke.
The flare-ups at the Daytona Park Estates fire in DeLand are contained and firefighters and forestry tractors will continue to monitor and mop up these areas as needed. The fire is now estimated at 350 acres.
Concentrations of smoke will remain at ground level at times throughout much of Volusia County.
"The brief period of rain received this afternoon has helped with fire containment and mop up, but was insignificant in the grand scope of the current wildfire threat," Megley said Sunday night of the late-afternoon thunderstorms.
Residents are reminded to call 9-1-1 if they observe active flames or heavy columns of smoke, but they should not report widespread or generally smoky conditions. Affected residents are advised to keep a disaster preparedness kit with medications, important papers and clothing ready in case an immediate evacuation order is given. Residents should take their pets with them. Visit volusia.org for details on how to prepare.
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