Courtesy graphic / The National Weather Service in Melbourne shows temps today will continue in the low 90s with no rain relief in sight until Thursday.NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Today is the first day of summer with no rain in sight until Thursday at the earliest with the threat of continuing wild fires the new reality.
Firefighters quickly contained four small new fires Monday afternoon. The largest fire was 1 acre, and all the fires are believed to have been caused by lightning strikes over the weekend, fire officials said.
The new fires were near Ninemile Point Road in Pierson, Venetian Bay and S.R. 44 west New Smyrna Beach, Reed Ellis Road in Osteen, and Hunting Camp Road and S.R. 44 west of New Smyrna Beach.
This brings the total number of current fires in Volusia County to 68. Most of the fires are in the monitoring or mop-up stage.
This brings the total number of current fires in Volusia County to 68. Most of the fires are in the monitoring or mop-up stage.
The active fires include:
● Maytown Road Fire near Ila and Osteen-Maytown Roads east of Osteen. This 2,397-acre fire has been burning in a heavily wooded area since June 13 and is 90 percent contained.
● Little Haw Creek Fire near the intersection of S.R. 40 and S.R. 11 west of Ormond Beach. This fire, which started June 15, has burned 410 acres and is 60 percent contained.
● South Moon Fire in Astor. This fire, which started June 18, has burned 42.5 acres and is 100 percent contained.
● Old Saw Mill Road Fire, north of S.R. 44 east of DeLand. This fire started June 19, has burned six acres, and is 100 percent contained.
● Leffler Landing Fire, which is west of S.R. 415 west of New Smyrna Beach. This fire is 100 percent contained at 22 acres.
● Reed Ellis Fires off Enterprise-Osteen Road in Osteen. Two fires started June 18 and 20, consuming two acres.
● 442 West Fire, which is south of S.R. 442 and west of I-95. This fire started June 14 and has consumed 24 acres. It is 100 percent contained.
● Larkspur Fire, which is east of the Daytona Park Estates subdivision east of DeLand. Fire crews continue to wok hot spots and flare-ups on this 336-acre fire, which started May 25. The hottest part of fire is concentrated in an inaccessible swamp on the east side of the fire.
There are no evacuations or road closures at this time. Residents should call 9-1-1 if they see active flames or heavy columns of smoke, but they should not report widespread or generally smoky conditions.
Fire officials urge residents to remain informed about current conditions and warnings by checking www.volusia.org/pin and listening to local news media outlets. They should review personal preparedness plans, make checklists, stock disaster supply kits, and be prepared to evacuate quickly if homes are threatened.
For updated fire information, please visit volusia.org/PIN or call 386-740-5187.
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