Brevard County brush fires burn in Melbourne, Mims; prompt evacuations
Brush fires in Brevard County prompt evacuations, burn 70 acres
Two brush fires broke out Tuesday in Brevard County, prompting evacuations and drawing a large emergency response. One fire ignited near Wickham Road in Melbourne, while another sparked near Blounts Ridge Road and Rose Marie Place in Mims, officials said. The Mims fire threatened nearby homes and burned about 70 acres.
MELBOURNE, Fla. - Brush fires sparked in Brevard County on Thursday.
There were two areas of concern and while the fires appeared to be contained late Thursday evening, authorities asked residents to remain vigilant.
Melbourne fire
What we know:
The fire in Melbourne burned near Wickham Road and Holy Trinity Drive.
Photos and videos shared with FOX 35 showed large plumes of smoke rising above the treeline in the area.
A fire in Melbourne appears to be burning near Wickham Road and Holy Trinity Drive.
A fire in Melbourne appears to be burning near Wickham Road and Holy Trinity Drive.
Mims fire
What we know:
Law enforcement and fire rescue crews responded to the area of Blounts Ridge Road and Rose Marie Place in Mims early Thursday afternoon due to a large brush fire.
20-acre fire off of I-95 in Mims prompts resident evacuation
Brush fires have sparked in Brevard County, with active blazes reported in Melbourne near Wickham Road and Holy Trinity Drive, and in Mims near Blounts Ridge Road and Rose Marie Place, where evacuations are underway.
The fire, which grew to 20 acres, was contained around 5:30 p.m., according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.
The Florida Forestry Service cut fire lines as a precaution. Fire officials said that the 40-foot buffer between wooded areas and homes likely prevented more significant damage.
Two people were allowed to return to their homes after evacuations were briefly ordered.
Two sheds were burned, but a primary residence was not damaged.
Fire crews were expected to remain in the area overnight to monitor hotspots.
Big picture view:
The fires were aided by southwesterly wind gusts of up to 30 mph, low humidity and extensive drought conditions. "Any fires can spread rapidly and be challenging to contain," said FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren.
Fire threat warnings exist in Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
The Source: FOX 35 viewer Blake shared photos and videos of the smoke with FOX 35. The Florida Forest Service's wildfire map shows a fire reported in the area.