Volusia County lifts burn ban; Rain causing flooding issues

Contact information

Volusia County Hotline
(866) 345-0345

United Way
First Call for Help
211 or (386)253-0563

Volusia County Schools
West Volusia
734-7190 ext. 20000
New Smyrna Beach
427-5223 ext. 20000
Daytona Beach
255-6475 ext. 20000
Deltona/DeBary
(386) 860-3322

DeLand
(386) 734-1711

Deltona
(386) 561-2109

Edgewater
(386) 424-2400

Flagler County
(386) 437-8202

New Smyrna Beach Hotlines
(386) 424-2113
(386) 424-2114

Ormond Beach
Public Works
(386) 676-3220
Police non-emergency (386) 677-0731

Ponce Inlet
(386) 322-6711

Port Orange
(386) 506-5999

FPL Hotline
1-800-4-OUTAGE

FEMA
Assistance number
1-800-621-3362.

American Red Cross:
(386) 226-1400 (daily)
(866) GET-INFO (during crisis)

back to PIN main page

Shelley Szafraniec, APR
Volusia County Government
Community Information Specialist

Volusia County lifts burn ban; Rain causing flooding issues

Emergency officials in Volusia County are pleased the rain has eased the wildfire threat, but now are facing other concerns as the continued rain is flooding several homes and causing localized flooding to streets. According to the National Weather Service, Volusia County has received more than more than 12 inches of rain in some locations in the past 48 hours. The weather service is predicting Volusia County will continue to see an additional 2 - 3 inches of rain today. The Volusia County emergency operations center (EOC) is monitoring the situation and assessing the impact of the rain to home and roads.

Due to the current conditions, effective Thursday, May 21, Volusia County Fire Services Director James Tauber is lifting the outdoor burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Volusia County and the cities of DeBary, Pierson, Oak Hill and Lake Helen.

Officials are advising citizens and visitors to take several measures to help them stay safe and protect their properties during the rainfall event and afterward.

Motorists should use extreme caution when driving; there is localized flooding on more than a dozen streets throughout Volusia County. In addition, people should avoid walking through pooling/deep water as it may be contaminated or have snakes, alligators and other animals. The flooding of roadways is anticipated to worsen as ponds and retention areas near capacity.

Sandbags are available at the following locations:

Daytona Beach: Materials for sandbags is available at the public works facility, 950 Bellevue Ave., until 6 p.m. today. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels and identification.

Ormond Beach: The city’s Public Works Department, 501 N. Orchard St., is open for city residents to pick up sand bags from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. today. Each household may receive 10 sand bags. Residents must show identification.

Port Orange: Sandbags and dirt are available to the community while supplies last. The bags are available at the city warehouse, 500 Oak Street (just east of the Florida East Coast railroad track). There is a limit of 25 bags per vehicle. Residents must bring shovels to fill their own bags. Double-lined trash bags work just as well as sandbags.

Volusia County Public Works: Sand and empty sandbags are available for county residents from 7 a.m. - dusk. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the bags. There will be a 25 bag limit per household. Garbage bags can be used to replace sandbags if supplies have been exhausted. Materials are available at the following locations:

Volusia County Fire Station 23 (Turnbull), 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
Volusia County Road and Bridge, 530 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach
Volusia County Fire Station 22 (Oak Hill), 213 N. Hwy. U.S. 1, Oak Hill
Volusia County Fire Station 11, 1580 Derbyshire Road, Holly Hill

Public safety officials are in the early stages of damage assessment. And with the prediction of more rain these assessments will be ongoing. At this time, the primary areas flooded are on the east side of the county.

High surf continues to pound the coast. Erosion conditions cannot be assessed until the surf and wind subside. Beachgoers are advised to use extreme caution as there are large waves, very strong currents, rip currents, and debris and jellyfish n the surf. Even in knee-deep water, citizens can find themselves swept of their feet and carried out to sea. Even when the storm passes, there will still be a high possibility of rip currents. Citizens are advised to swim near lifeguards if they are planning to head to the beach for the Memorial Day weekend.

Significant rainfall encourages mosquito breeding. Citizens should empty the water in containers around homes and businesses to control immature mosquitoes. If these containers are emptied they will not develop into adult mosquitoes. Officials anticipate a significant increase in adult mosquito annoyance at the end of next week. Citizens should limit dawn and dusk outdoor activities, wear long-sleeve tops and pants for prolonged outdoor activities, and apply insect repellent. Volusia County Mosquito Control staff are currently controlling immature mosquitoes in the numerous rain puddles and planning for ground and aerial adult mosquito control as needed.

Hurricane season is less than two weeks away. With the recent threat of wildfires and now flooding, citizens need to make sure they are prepared for disasters as they can happen any time during the year. Complete disaster preparedness information can be found online.

back to PIN main page

Preparation information

Disaster Preparedness Guide

Shelters
What to bring
Pets
Special needs

Evacuation route maps and surge zones

Emergency Management