Powerline Fire: 270-acre wildfire burns in Volusia County; burn ban enacted
ORLANDO, Fla. - A 270-acre wildfire sparked Tuesday in Volusia County, east of Lake Helen and Deltona, sending massive plumes of smoke into the air, according to the Florida Forest Service and Volusia County Fire Rescue.
As of 6:30 p.m, the fire was estimated to be at 270 acres and 80% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service's online map.
200-acre brush fire burning in Deltona
A 200-acre wildfire sparked Tuesday in Volusia County, east of Lake Helen and Deltona, sending massive plumes of smoke into the air, according to the Florida Forest Service and Volusia County Fire Rescue. FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns has the latest.
It is burning near Ranchette and Holly roads, officials said. At last check, no evacuations have been ordered, but officials are on standby if needed to help protect nearby homes, officials said.
Powerline Fire photos
When did the Powerline Fire start? Where is it burning?
What we know:
The wildfire was first reported around 2:44 p.m. on Tuesday. It is burning near Ranchette and Holly roads, east of Lake Helen and Deltona, and west of New Smyrna Beach.
Powerline Fire: Are any homes or structures threatened?
Officials told FOX 35 that no homes or structures are currently threatened. However, Volusia County firefighters are on standby to protect homes if needed.
SKYFOX showed what appeared to be homes in the area of the fire, though it was not clear how many homes were in the immediate area nor how close they were to any potential active flames.
Deltona brush fire, crews working to contain the flames
A brush fire was reported around 2:44 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in Deltona. Volusia County Fire Rescue along with the Florida Forest Service are working to contain the flames. SKYFOX flew above the fire which covers about 100 acres.
The Florida Forest Service is establishing containment lines around the fire, including use of its helicopter to drop water.
What we don't know:
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. However, much of Central Florida and Florida are experiencing drought. Click here to view current drought maps for Florida and Central Florida.
Volusia County burn ban
Earlier Tuesday, Volusia County Fire Rescue issued a countywide outdoor burn ban set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, due to heightened wildfire risks and unusually high drought conditions.
The ban applies to unincorporated areas of the county as well as the cities of Oak Hill, Lake Helen and Pierson. Under the order, all outdoor burning—including yard waste, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, and outdoor cooking fires—is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the Florida Forest Service. Cooking on contained gas or charcoal grills is still permitted, excluding the use of fire pits.
According to Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King, the burn ban is necessary because of severe drought conditions. Volusia County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index is 517.
Violators could face fines up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in jail. Fire rescue personnel will issue citations and extinguish any unauthorized fires found during enforcement.
Officials are urging residents to use caution and follow wildfire safety practices, including:
- Properly disposing of cigarettes
- Avoiding parking on dry grass
- Maintaining a defensible space around homes
- Keep roofs and gutters clear
- Have fire extinguishers accessible
- Maintain functional smoke detectors
MAP: Wildfires burning in Florida
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Volusia County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service on April 15, 2025.