Lightning sparks 2 wildfires near Kennedy Space Center; nearly 700 acres burned
VIDEO: Fires burning in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Two fires were burning in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near the Kennedy Space Center late Monday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Lightning sparked at least two wildfires near the Kennedy Space Center over the weekend, sending large plumes of smoke into the air. Nearly 700 acres have burned, officials said.
The wildfires were located within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, not far from Kennedy Space Center, officials said. NASA confirmed that none of its buildings or launch pads were at risk. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was also not at risk, officials told FOX 35 Orlando.
What's burning? Where are the fires located?
What we know:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge received heavy lightning and minimal rain on Sunday, which led to the start of the fires.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fire crews said they responded to the fires around 11 a.m. on Monday and took control of both incidents as they emerged.
FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar detected a smoke plume Monday night. FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren reported the sighting on X around 7 p.m. Monday. In the post, Bergren stated that the risk of fires was extremely high following the cold front that brought the severe weather outbreak over the weekend.
Bergren said the smoke plume from the fires could be seen from very far away and noted it had extended more than 30 miles offshore.
The Brevard County Fire Rescue team issued a Red Flag Warning for residents to "avoid open flames or sparks" through 8 p.m.
(Credit: Brevard County Fire Rescue)
Around 9:30 p.m, Bergren shared another update on the fires, noting they were still burning in gusty and extremely dry humidity.
He said he was unable to tell if they had gotten close to NASA buildings, but the flames, at times, appeared to have shot up into the air.
Information released on wildfires
What we know:
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the two wildfires burning are being called "Patrick" and "Savannahs."
Officials with U.S Fish and Wildlife Services said there are myriad resources currently attacking the fires, including three dozers, three brushtrucks, three UTVs, one helicopter and 22 personnel.
Here's what we know:
Patrick fire
- Time discovered: 11:10 a.m.
- Location: between Ransom and Jerome roads within the secured area of Kennedy Space Center
- Reported cause: undetermined
- Reported size: about 450 acres
- Contained: 50%
Savannahs fire
- Time discovered: 4:01 p.m.
- Location: near The Savannahs golf community at the end of Audubon Road
- Reported cause: natural
- Reported size: about 140 acres
- Contained 50%
Officials from Kennedy Space Center Fire Services said they responded to the report of a wildfire near the Tel-IV area at the southern end of the center, but once it was determined that there were no facilities at risk, the incident was turned over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife to manage.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team, as well as the National Interagency Fire Center, Brevard County Fire Rescue, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Kennedy Space Center Fire Services on March 17, 2025.