Honeydew brush fire burns over 300 acres in Volusia County; crews working to contain blaze | FOX 35 Orlando
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Honeydew brush fire burns over 300 acres in Volusia County; crews working to contain blaze

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Updated  March 21, 2025 11:17pm EDT
Volusia County
FOX 35 Orlando

Neighbors feel heat from area wildfires

Crews are urgently working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire, currently spanning over 300 acres, in Volusia County, west of New Smyrna Beach, on Friday. As of late Friday, the fire was roughly 80% contained.

The Brief

    • Crews are working to contain a brush fire that has burned over 300 acres in Volusia County, Florida, since Thursday.
    • The fire is located near State Routes 44 and 415, west of New Smyrna Beach, near Samsula.
    • As of Friday, no homes have been destroyed, and no evacuations have been issued, though some residents are preparing to evacuate if conditions worsen. Bookmark this page for live updates from FOX 35 News as new information becomes available.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Crews are urgently working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire, currently spanning over 300 acres, in Volusia County, west of New Smyrna Beach, on Friday. 

Firefighters are expected to battle the blaze throughout the night, and residents are advised to be cautious of heavy smoke in the area. As of late Friday, the fire was roughly 80% contained.

Live updates:

  • 10 a.m. | The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association shared an update on the fire on its social media pages Saturday morning. Fire officials said the fire is now 90% contained and has burned 336 acres. Although no structures are endangered, authorities said smoke will be in the area. The Florida Forest Service - Bunnell District is working with engines, dozers and air support to continue to combat the fire. Officials cautioned drivers to pay attention when driving in the area and to be aware of crews. 

March 22, 2025

  • 10 p.m. | Fire crews said the fire was 80% contained as of late Friday.
  • 5:00 p.m. | Fire crews said they are still dealing with some hot spots from the fire.
  • 12:30 p.m. | Due to the recent brush fires throughout Florida, Orange County Fire Rescue hosted a press conference to explain the risks of brush fires and how to prevent them on Friday afternoon. During the press conference, officials said gusty winds, low humidity and worsening drought are all factors that have led to the recent outbreak of brush fires. Safety measures residents can take to help protect their homes and their families include burning yard waste safely, preparing your yard by clearing debris, reporting arson, and preparing an emergency supply kit.

Florida officials explain risk of brush fires, safety measures

Due to the recent brush fires throughout Florida, Orange County Fire Rescue hosted a press conference to explain the risks of brush fires and how to prevent them.

  • 9:15 a.m. | The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Orange, Osceola, and Brevard counties from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. This warning means conditions are right for wildfires to spread quickly, due to high winds, low humidity, and dry plants. During this time, people are advised to avoid activities that could start a fire, like burning debris or using outdoor grills.
  • 6:45 a.m. | According to the Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association, the blaze is 338 acres and was 80% contained as of 2 a.m. Friday.

March 21, 2025

Honeydew brush fire burns more than 300 acres in Volusia County

Crews are urgently working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire, currently spanning more than 300 acres, in Volusia County, west of New Smyrna Beach, on Friday. Firefighters are expected to battle the blaze throughout the day, and residents are advised to be cautious of heavy smoke in the area.

Where is the Honeydew brush fire?

The backstory:

A brush fire in Samsula near State Routes 44 and 415 began on Thursday, March 20, and has since burned more than 300 acres. 

Fire crews from Volusia County, Flagler County, New Smyrna Beach, and Florida Forestry Services are working to contain the flames. No homes have burned, and no evacuations have been ordered, but some residents are preparing to leave if conditions worsen. Helicopters are scooping water from local ponds to fight the fire.

The thick smoke in the area has prompted a travel advisory near Cucumber Lane and Honeydew Lane. 

(Credit: Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association)

What caused the fire?

What we don't know:

 Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire. It’s unclear how long it will take to fully contain the flames, as shifting winds could impact efforts. There is also no official word on whether the fire is spreading closer to residential areas or if evacuations may be necessary in the near future.

Florida is no stranger to brush fires, especially during dry seasons when wind can cause flames to spread unpredictably. While no homes have burned, residents remain on edge as fire crews work to keep the blaze away from structures. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association, the Florida Division of Forestry, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and New Smyrna Beach Fire Department.

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