June 26, 1998-- 10 p.m.
David F. Byron
Community Information Director
COUNTY FIRE SAYS: "ALL FIRES CONTAINED!"
With tears in some eyes, a jubiliant Volusia County Fire Services announced at 10 p.m.: "ALL FIRES IN VOLUSIA COUNTY ARE CONTAINED!"
And the second piece of good news came with the announcement that significant federal ground and aerial firefighting resources are on the way from the Blue Team from the Southeastern region consisting of 11 states.
Those resources include five 20-member "hot shot" teams, four helicopters and a tactical aircraft. New federal resources included 16 tractor plows and 30 engines. The feds and County and State fire forces beginning today have established a joint incident command system, with a new resource deployment command post being established at the County Fairgrounds, east of DeLand.
Under the unified command setup, federal crews will conduct fire "mop up" operations while County and State forces will handle the attack on new fires.
"We're here to assist the County," said Larry Benik, Deputy Incident Commander of the Blue Team. "We're not here to take over."
New National Guard resources include eight new field support people, seven Humvees and three heavy trucks.
Fires now have consumed 80,000 acres in Volusia. County Fire Services still was batting 1.000 with its number one goal: No injuries to the public and no loss of permanent residences.
"Every one of our guys are pumped up, just inspired," said County Fire Services Director Jim Tauber, after spending two hours with his firefighters Saturday night. "We are determined to win this and we will."In other news:
Fire fighters are overwhelmed with the generosity of Volusia County citizens who continually show their appreciation with gifts of cakes, fruit, beverages and a host of favorite recipes. Fire fighters appreciate the efforts of well-meaning citizens but ask that all donations of food items be discontinued. All food provided the fire fighters by the County's contractors, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, must meet strict health department standards for refrigeration or temperature and cannot be left out in the open. Much food has been wasted due to the over-supply.
Donations to the Volusia County Fire Relief Fund can be made at any branch of First Union Bank statewide. Donors should call
(904) 740-5100 in West Volusia
(904) 248-8100 in Daytona Beach
(904) 424-6880 in New Smyrna Beach.See Situation Report #30 coming soon
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Copyright © 1997 Volusia County, Florida.