Crews Continue To Fight Port St. John Brush Fire
By Space Coast Daily // March 6, 2013
About 35 Acres Still Burning
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT ST. JOHN, FLORIDA – Brevard County Fire Rescue have spent much of the day at the scene of Tuesday’s 35-acre brush fire in Port St. John.
Lt. Jeff Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue said firefighters were originally dispatched at 5:06 p.m. on Tuesday to a wooded area southeast of the I-95 Port St. John Parkway.
Crews reported a two-acre brush fire moving quickly through heavy brush in the direction of Veronica Estates. Though no homes were threatened by the fire, fire engines were immediately dispatched to the neighborhood for structural protection.
Taylor said additional equipment was requested and assistance was received from the Florida Forest Service and the Cocoa Fire Department.
Crews worked throughout the night to contain the fire and extinguish hot spots caused by flying embers.
A briefing was held Wednesday morning to update crews about the status of the fire, weather conditions and how to put it out.
Florida Forest Service officials report that they have completed a fire line around the fire. Currently the fire is contained though spot fires are a concern today.
Taylor said the fire is still about 35 acres however firefighters plan to use GPS to determine a more accurate size.
West winds are predicted in excess of 15 mph are expected throughout the day.
According to Taylor, the mean Keetch Byram Drought Index for Brevard County today is currently listed at 542 and a Red Flag warning is in effect for the county through til 7 p.m.
Brevard County Fire Rescue staffed brush trucks for today’s fire to provide extra manpower and suppression capability for this event. Fire engines will once again be placed in neighborhoods east of the fire should structural protection be necessary.
Taylor said Florida Forest Service tractors are at the scene improving fire lines and working in tandem with brush trucks to suppress hot spots as they occur.
All roadways are open and unaffected by smoke at this time.
“Motorists in the area, especially along Grissom Parkway south of the Port St. John Parkway, are urged to use caution as fire equipment and personnel are working in the area,” Taylor said.
