Firefighters respond to 250-acre bushfire near Osteen

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida. – The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association announced Saturday that firefighters were responding to a “major” brush fire near Osteen that started around noon.

Volusia County Fire officials said the fast-moving fire occurred on the east side of Pell Road, with a few small “spot” fires crossing over to the west side.

The Florida Forest Service – Bunnell District was among what appears to be at least a dozen units working on scene, including several bulldozers and additional help from Seminole County. The post described the scene as having several spot fires and warned people to be wary of crews working in the area.

Fire crews from Deltona and DeBary are on scene to help fight the fire, officials said.

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Scott Smoak with the Volusia County Fire Department said the closest building to the fire was about several hundred yards away and several fire units were working to protect the structures.

We’re extremely dry, especially in this part of the county,” Smoak said.

Elizabeth Rice and several other Osteen residents who live off Pell Road near the fire have been waiting for hours to be allowed home.

“Pray for this community. They are good people. They work hard. I don’t want anyone to lose their place or their animals,” Rice said.

Initially reported as 175 acres, a Volusia County Fire Department spokesperson later said the fire had grown to 250 acres. The fire was 25% contained at 10 p.m., according to the teams present.

Rice said she has seen several fires break out in that area and she hopes people heed the warnings.

No injuries were reported, according to firefighters in Volusia and Seminole counties.

According to a press release, the Volusia County Fairgrounds has been set up to house affected residents' large animals if necessary.

“While there is currently no need to evacuate the area, the Emergency Management Division is able to utilize the emergency notification system to notify residents in affected areas of a potential shelter for them and their animals and communicate any other relevant information as necessary,” the statement said. press release read in part.

Firefighters worked through the night to try to contain the fire.

If you must drive through the area, firefighters are asking people to drive slowly and be careful of smoke lingering in the air.

Note: This map represents the general area of ​​this fire and not necessarily its exact location.

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