Update: Orange Hammock fire in Port Orange now 95% contained, according to fire officials
The Orange Hammock fire in Volusia County located off SR 415 and Shunz Road in Port Orange was 95% contained at 563 acres Thursday evening, reported the Florida Forest Service Bunnell District. The fire was not threatening homes or businesses.
More: Florida issues red flag warning as firefighters battle wildfire in Volusia
More: UPDATE: Wildfire at Tiger Bay State Forest grows slightly to 1,866 acres, 85% contained
That's good news for exhausted firefighters and residents. Under ideal conditions, the Hammock fire grew quickly since Wednesday when the Forest Service stated it only covered 50 acres and was 5% contained.
Right now the biggest problem for residents is smoke.
"Smoke will be visible for several days in the area near the fire and may impact some roadways in Volusia County," the fire service reported on its Facebook page. "If you encounter smoke on the roadway, slow down, drive with extreme caution, and avoid distractions."
Fire officials have been particularly concerned because of low humidity and high winds which increase the risk of wildfires. A red flag warning due to heightened fire danger was issued on Wednesday for north and central Florida.
The Florida Forest Service Bunnell District wildland firefighters worked through the night Wednesday with significant challenges, including weather, terrain, and the fire itself in containing and suppressing the flames, the district stated.
A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity and gusty winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. https://t.co/MZpl0y2105
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 3, 2023
Firefighters battled the flames with seven dozers, three brush units, one airplane, and two helicopters on Wednesday.
The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association said Thursday that the smoke from the fire "is drifting through the southeast portion of the county," including Oak Hill, Edgewater, New Symrna, and Port Orange.
"We are aware of the smoke in the area. Unless you see ACTIVE FLAMES or a COLUMN of smoke, please do not call 911 for an investigation," the association said in a Facebook post.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Wildfire in Port Orange 95% contained, smoky conditions to persist
