Brush fire in Mims burned close to homes

MIMS, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Fire crews were on high alert Sunday as a brush fire burned dangerously close to homes in Mims.

Several agencies responded to the fire at around 12:20 p.m.

“We started smelling smoke and just thought something was burning, or something, and then it started getting really dark and obviously out of control,” said Peggy Haines, whose home is nearby.

Officials with Brevard County Fire and Rescue say it started in the woods near Cambridge Drive. How it ignited is still under investigation.

“We got a handle on three sides of it, but when the winds kicked in, it started pushing west,” said Brevard County Fire District Chief Scott Wondrely.

The fire moved over toward homes on Tuscany Drive.

“I came over and everything was pretty hot and I got very nervous about the stuff coming up next to the property line,” said Gene Lockamy, whose home is right up against the woods.

The Florida Forest Service brought in bulldozers. Firefighters were posted outside several homes so that they were ready to react if the fire got too close.

By late afternoon, crews had the fire mostly contained and began to clean up. No one was hurt and there was no damage reported.