Brevard County brush fire contained, but hot spots, flare-ups remain

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Since Saturday , brush fires and wildfires have shut down roads across Central Florida.

On Monday, firefighters from Cocoa, Rockledge and Brevard County worked to protect businesses and homes from a brush fire near State Road 524, which was shut down east of Cox Road in the area of Pinyon since the afternoon near the Cocoa Pines neighborhood.

Although the fire was contained, flare-ups continued throughout the night and smoky conditions remained.

Firefighters have been dealing with dry and windy conditions, which make it easier for fires to spread.

For some people who live in the neighborhood, it's too close for comfort.

Others are not overly concerned.

"I had a little gutter fire but my neighbor put it out pretty fast before I got home. I drove up on it coming from Melbourne, so, just a lot of smoke,” said Cocoa Pines resident Darrell Hoover.

The brush fire spread to about 10 acres before it was contained.

But even so, the dry conditions and wind made it difficult for firefighters.

Even with the fire mostly contained after the sun went down, parts of State Road 524 were still closed while fire crews remained on the scene.

"I got here at around 3:30 and it's been pretty chaotic since. Tons of smoke, ashes galore,” said resident Cheryl Draves.

Monday's brush fire was one of many that have popped up across the region in the last few weeks.

Over the weekend, the Florida Highway patrol shut down part of the Turnpike because of a wildfire near Kissimmee Park Road.

A fire in Marion County Monday afternoon threatened homes, but was under control before causing any damage.

In Volusia County, a wildfire popped up in New Smyrna Beach near Budd Road and State Road 415.

Firefighters kept a close watch for hot spots more than 24 hours after it was started, they believe, by somebody who set a pile of debris on fire.

Firefighters still haven't determined the cause of the Pinyon blaze.

Cox Media Group