Brush fire threatens homes in Brevard County

Firefighters in Brevard County were attempting to knock down a brush fire between two homes in an unincorporated area of county near Melbourne.

The fire was under control just after 10 p.m. on Monday, though it did grow to about seven acres.  Emergency crews lined N. Pinehurst Ave., between N. Wickhamm and Holiday Springs roads, keeping close watch on the flames.  The fire was contained by a natural fire break on four sides, authorities said.

Firefighters said the fire started around 8 p.m., and when they arrived on scene, they immediately started protecting structures in the area. They also summoned help from Brevard County Sheriff's Office, which used their helicopter to drop gallons of water on the fire with a bucket.  This is only the third time that this chopper has been used to fight fires, but it was the first time, according to the pilot, that they made a run and did some fire protection where there were a lot of homes involved.  The helicopter made around 21 drops, utilizing the 300-gallon bucket.

At one point, several homes were threatened, but firefighters said that, with the combination of the attack from the air and the hoses on the ground, they were able to protect these homes despite the fire getting as close as 20 to 30 feet away.

This area of the county has experienced dry conditions for 28 consecutive days.  That has authorities concerned about additional brush fires.