VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla.,None — A wildfire is burning dangerously close to homes in Volusia County on Tuesday. Fire crews said they are still trying to put out the fire near Daytona Park Estates, east of DeLand.
Officials said no homes were in danger Tuesday, but fire crews said homeowners need look out for spot overs that can destroy a home in minutes.
A steady breeze whipped through DeLand and the Daytona Park Estates. All day on Tuesday, the fire kept more than 20 forestry rangers and firefighters busy spraying water on pockets of flames ignited by flying embers.
"The challenge is making sure it stays put inside the lines," said a fire official.
Fire crews said they have three tractors running non-stop to prevent fire from spreading. Still, spot overs were inevitable in 15mph winds. Spot overs overwhelmed neighbors on Larkspur Road on Tuesday as well.
"They weren't prepared for that flare up. None of us were. We thought it was over," said fire officials.
Homeowner, George Shelton lost his lawn in the fires as WFTV could see burn marks all over the grass. Shelton evacuated Monday as flames taller than his roof threatened his home.
"It was definitely time to go. I was a little nervous about it. It was time to get out of here. You can replace a house, but you can't replace a lot of other stuff," said Shelton.
Shelton won't have to replace his home, but the threat still lingers along with the smoke in the street. Officials said the fire in the Daytona Park Estates is now 250 acres and no homes have been evacuated Tuesday, but residents near the fire are soaking their yard and house with water. Officials advised homeowners to remove brush and trim trees close to their houses.
People are also being told by officials to keep 100 feet of hose ready to fight flames. Forestry rangers said they are planning a large back-burn to protect homes.