July 3, 1998
Ron Waselewski
Public InformationFIRE BATTLE CONTINUES
As temperatures soared and the mid-day sun peered through the smoke in fire ravaged Volusia County, fire officials reported 48 active, open fires. More than 120,000 acres have been scorched. Of particular concern to firefighters are the Pierson area, Ormond Beach west of I-95, West Daytona Beach in the area of LPGA and southern Volusia County, as flames were reportedly spreading northward from Brevard County, threatening the Oak Hill neighborhood.
No new evacuations have been ordered and there have been no new injuries or structural damage reported in Volusia. Residents of the Aberdeen and Spring Meadows sub-divisions are now being allowed to return to their homes. Approximately 700 citizens have taken refuge in shelters, and Atlantic and Spruce Creek High Schools have been designated as special needs evacuation shelters.
Firefighting personnel and specialists have continued to arrive in Volusia from all areas of the United States to assist in the effort and cash donations from across the country are being used to support the personal item-needs of firefighters. Financial donations can be made to the Volusia County Fire Relief Fund at any branch of First Union State Bank statewide. Donors should call (904) 740-5100 in West Volusia, (904) 248-8100 in Daytona Beach or (904) 424-6880 in New Smyrna Beach.
Two damage assessment teams arrived this morning from the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration to aid in the damage estimate tally.
People evacuating with their pets can proceed to the north side of the Volusia County Fairgrounds. And, the Humane Society’s temporary facilities remain open at the Tilton Building on the south end of the Fairgrounds. The Humane Society phone number is (904) 295-1606.
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