Daytona Beach fire updates: Evacuations, wildfire map, news updates

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The "Bennett Field" fire, which totaled to 227 acres in Daytona Beach, is now 100% contained after over 24 hours. 

The wildfire was reported on Monday morning, Feb. 23, burning west of the Mosaic neighborhood. 

Here is the latest information on the Bennett Field Fire.

Live updates: Daytona Beach wildfire

Tuesday, Feb. 24 Live Updates

4:50 p.m. – Bennet Field Fire 100% contained and totaling 227 acres.

3:30 p.m. – Mosaic traffic restrictions lifted

The restrictions into the Mosaic neighborhood have been lifted, according to the Daytona Beach Fire and Police Departments.

"At this time the traffic restriction in the Mosaic Subdivision has been lifted. The Florida Forest Service will remain on scene and residents can expect to see occasional flames, smoldering and smoke for the next few days," read a social media post.

The fire remains at 160 acres with 75% containment.

2:00 p.m. – Bennett Field Fire 75% contained

The Florida Forest Service and Flagler Fire Fight helicopters completed 72 aerial water drops between the two days, with 200 gallons each.

Fire crews are continuing to closely monitor fire conditions. 

12:15 p.m. - Bennett Field Fire 75% contained

A spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service provided updates on the Bennett Field Fire burning near the Mosaic neighborhood in Daytona Beach:

• Fire is 75% contained, up from 50% late Monday and Tuesday morning
• Fire is holding at 160 acres
• Weather is cooperating

8:05 a.m. 

Officials said the Daytona Beach fire is estimated to be 160 acres, and remained at 50% contained.

Mosaic residents were allowed to return to their homes on Monday night, but were cautioned to be prepared to evacuate should fire conditions worsen. Police are stationed outside the neighborhood and proof of residency is required to enter.

The Florida Fire Service is conducting aerial water drops to suppress the fire. Dozer crews are working to strengthen the protection lines near homes. 

What does this mean for residents? 

Though residents in the Mosaic neighborhood were allowed to return home on Monday morning, the Daytona Beach Fire Department said residents should be prepared to potentially evacuate again. Additionally, those in the area should be prepared for smoke and fire conditions. 

Monday, Feb. 23 live updates

Here's how to take care of your home during high fire threat

9 p.m. - Residents allowed to return home; future evacuations possible

• All residents of the Mosaic neighborhood may begin returning home at this time using Tournament Drive near Champion Elementary.
• Law enforcement has been stationed at this checkpoint managing the impound traffic to the area. Proof of residency will be required for entry.
• The fire is considered to be 50% contained.
• Residents should be prepared to evacuate again, if needed. Officials said future evacuations are possible.
• Residents should anticipate smoke and fire conditions for the next several days.

5:50 p.m. - Evacuated ordered

Daytona Beach Fire Chief Dru Driscoll provided an update on the wildfire:

• The wildfire started at 8:17 a.m. on Monday morning
• The cause of the wildfire is not known.
• The fire is considered to be 25% contained
• An estimated 80 homes have been evacuated
• Several agencies have responded, including Daytona Beach Police, Daytona Beach Fire, Volusiua Sheriff's Office, Florida Forest Service, and others.
• At its closest, flames were 500 from some homes in Mosaic neighborhood
• Crews have plowed lines on the west side of homes in Mosaic neighborhood.

Press conference: Daytona Beach Fire Chief gives update on Bennett Field Fire

Shelter set up

A place for those evacuated from the Mosaic neighborhood has been set up at the LPGA Recreation Center, according to Pat Kuehn, spokesperson for Volusia County. Specific details were not immediately released.

5:42 p.m. update

The wildfire started at 8:17 a.m. on Monday morning. The cause of the wildfire is not known.

The fire is considered to be 25% contained. An estimated 80 homes have been evacuated.

Several agencies have responded, including Daytona Beach Police, Daytona Beach Fire, Volusiua Sheriff's Office, Florida Forest Service, and others.

5:13 p.m. - Mosaic neighborhood entrance closed 

The Daytona Beach Police Department said both Cyan Avenue and Fushia Street within the Mosaic neighborhood have been evacuated due to the active brush fire burning nearby. The entrance to the development has been closed "to allow emergency personnel to safely manage the scene," the police department said in a Facebook post.

"At this time, officers have blocked off the entrance to the Mosaic development to allow emergency personnel to safely manage the scene. Residents on Cyan Avenue and Fuchsia Street have been evacuated as a precaution. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to allow first responders to operate safely and efficiently."

Photos shared by the police department show heavy smoke blowing into and above the neighborhood.

5:08 p.m. - Smoke plume from Bennett Field Fire visible on radar

According to the FOX 35 Storm Team, the smoke plume from the Bennett Field Fire in Daytona Beach is visible on radar. The plume is pushing southeast through Port Orange all the way to New Smyrna Beach, extending 35 miles offshore.

4:40 p.m. - Bennett Field brush fire grows to 100 acres

Volusia County Emergency Management said the fire was estimated to be larger than 100 acres – and burning near the Mosaic Subdivision.

"As a precaution, first responders are going door to door in nearby neighborhoods to evacuate homes that could be potentially affected by the fire. Flagler County’s Fireflight has been deployed to assist ground crews with aerial water drops, while five bulldozers are operating in the area to support containment efforts. Crews are also conducting structure protection operations along Cyan Avenue," the county said in a statement.

People are asked to avoid the area.

Red Flag warnings issued across Central Florida

Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties are under red flag warnings due to low humidity, strong winds, and drought conditions. Red flag warnings are in place until 7 p.m. on Monday. Officials said fires that form would likely spread rapidly.

What is a red flag warning?

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior," according to National Weather Service.

4:28 p.m. - Evacuations ordered

"At this time Cyan Avenue in the Mosaic Subdivision is being evacuated. Fire crews have started structural protection in the area and residents on Cyan Avenue are urged to evacuate," Daytona Beach Fire Department said in an update.

It was not immediately clear how many homes were on that street. However, the fire department said shifting winds and the fire's behavior prompted the evacuations.

The fire is burning near LPGA Blvd. and International Tennis Drive/International Golf Drive.

Bennett Field Fire burning near LPGA Blvd.

10:30 a.m. - 20 to 25 acres, 75% contained

The fire was reported Monday morning. It is burning west of the Mosaic subdivision in Daytona Beach, near LPGA Blvd. and International Tennis Drive/International Golf Drive. 

Wildfire tips to keep in mind

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