Brevard County brush fires burning in Melbourne, Mims; evacuations ordered

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Brush fires have reportedly sparked in Brevard County, according to the Florida Forest Service's wildfire map.

There are two areas of concern and authorities are asking residents and travelers to be vigilant. 

Melbourne fire

What we know:

The fire in Melbourne appears to be burning 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. 

FOX 35 has a crew at the scene gathering more information. FOX 35 has also reached out to Brevard County Fire Rescue for more information.

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. 

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.

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. 

Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area. 

FOX 35 has a crew at the scene gathering more information. 

Big picture view:

The fires are being 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.

What we don't know:

FOX 35 has reached out to Brevard County Fire Rescue for more information on the fires, though details on the causes or levels of containment were not immediately available.