July 3, 1998--5:30 p.m.
Cindy Hancock Finney
Community InformationVOLUSIA KEEPS WARY EYE ON FLAGLER FIRE
Fires continue to burn in Volusia County, but the blaze now drawing significant attention is the one in neighboring Flagler County.
Fire officials say if the wind shifts, the fire could head in the direction of Volusia.
"This fire is very large," said Liz Glasgow, County Fire Services Public Information Officer. "Obviously we are concerned about it, especially if it heads in our direction."
Other fires of concern in Volusia County include the blaze north of Pierson, estimated earlier today to be about 2,000 acres in size.
About 121,000 acres in the County have burned or are burning, according to an infrared photo taken at midnight, Thursday. About $70 million worth of damage has been done to timber. No new structure damage has been reported.
All evacuation areas in Daytona Beach have been downgraded from mandatory to voluntary. Residents should continue to monitor local news reports and be prepared should the situation change.
About 700 homes are without power in Port Orange and I-95 and U.S. 1 and I-4 and SR 44. FP&L crews are on the scene.
The pet/people shelter at the Volusia County Fairgrounds east of DeLand is full. Two new pet/people shelters have been opened: Babe James Youth Center, Myrtle and Julia streets, New Smyrna Beach (exit SR 44 from I-4, turn east to Canal Street, bear left at the fork to Myrtle. Turn left about half mile to Julia) and First United Methodist Church of Orange City, corner of University and Thorpe off Graves Avenue.
Donations needed include eye drops, burn sprays and ointments, antiseptic swipes, goggles (cup type with foam) throat lozenges, powder with cornstarch, lotion, individual servings of Tylenol and aspirin, cortisone lotion and cream, coolers. These items can be taken to the Emergency Operations Center at 49 Keyton Drive, Daytona Beach (off Indian Lake Road). Packaged snacks, single-serving sized snacks and Gatorade, new underwear and socks can be dropped off the Salvation Army warehouse, 560 Ballough Road or the School Board Warehouse, Shapiro Road at the DeLand Airport. For more information on donations, call Donations and volunteer hotlines at (904) 740-5100 for West Volusia; (904) 248-8100, Daytona Beach; (904) 424-6880 in New Smyrna Beach.
People who evacuate are reminded to bring any medications, pillows and blankets, special dietary needs, a portable radio, identification and insurance papers.
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