Wind and dry weather bring increased chance of fires to West Volusia

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By Pat Andrews
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Mar 5, 2013 - 1:12:41pm

UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 — The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for West Volusia, meaning the threat of fire is imminent, due to "critically" dry conditions that make underbrush and dead vegetation susceptible to any spark.

Volusia County Emergency Management asks for no outdoor burning. Extreme caution should be used for barbecuing or any activity that involves fire.

A low of 37 is now expected tonight. Cold-sensitive plants and pets should be brought in.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED — West Volusia's cold weather isn't completely gone, and the threat of fire looms over the area, with a fire-weather watch in effect.

The National Weather Service predicts a low of 39 degrees Wednesday night, March 6.

The lack of rain plus the dry air that's moved into West Volusia with the cooler weather mean that West Volusia is under a fire-weather watch.

Gusty winds — up to 20 mph forecast for this afternoon with more tomorrow — are increasing the threat.

"Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," the National Weather Service advisory states.

Conditions could change the watch to a red-flag warning within the next day, meaning that the fire threat is even more imminent, and fire-service agencies will prepare accordingly.

Monday, Volusia County, Florida Forest Service and Ormond Beach firefighters, assisted by teams from all over the county and Flagler County, managed to contain the Durrance Fire in Ormond Beach that consumed more than 1,100 acres west of Interstate 95 over the weekend. Firefighters had to deal with high winds as they battled that blaze.

— Pat@beacononlinenews.com

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