Despite Sunday's thunderstorms, fire remains an issue on US 92, as shown in this locator map.DAYTONA BEACH -- Firefighters contained three small spot-over fires from the Mile Marker 128 on Sunday afternoon, but a stretch of U.S. 92, from Kepler to Indian Lake roads, remains closed.
"Troopers will monitor the highway to determine when it is safe to reopen it.," Volusia County spokeswoman Pat Kuehn said. "Residents and drivers can expect smoky conditions along West International Speedway Boulevard this morning."
The spot-overs were caused by an increase in winds and decrease in humidity in the mid-afternoon.
The fire, now estimated at 225 acres, continues to smolder and produce significant smoke, Kuehn said.
Firefighters from Volusia County Fire Services, the Florida Forest Service, and the DeLand and Daytona Beach fire departments continue to work on the fire.
The Florida Highway Patrol closed a nine-mile stretch of U.S. 92 from Kepler Road to Indian Lake Road because of reduced visibility.
Volusia County firefighters offer these tips for driving in smoky conditions:
Drive with low beams on. High beams will be reflected back off the smoke and can impair visibility even more;
Slow down before you enter the smoke and make sure you can stop within the distance you can see;
Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Listen for traffic you cannot see;
Reduce distractions in your vehicle. Turn off your radio and cell phone;
Use wipers and defrosters to improve visibility;
Use the right edge of the road as a guide;
Avoid passing and/or changing lanes;
Signal your turns well in advance and brake early as you prepare to stop;
Roll your windows up and use your air conditioner on the recirculation mode;
Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If you must pull off the road, use your turn signal and carefully pull off as far as possible. After pulling off the road, turn on your hazard flashers;
Do not drive with your hazard flashers on. According to Florida statute, hazard flashers may only be used on stationary cars.