Daytona Neighborhood Evacuated for Nearby Brush Fire

A brush fire in Daytona Beach caused dozens of homes to be evacuated this week. The Daytona Beach Fire Department is referring to the blaze as the Bennet Field Fire. As of Tuesday morning, it’s estimated to be 50% contained. The Mosaic neighborhood near LPGA Boulevard was subject to an evacuation order on Monday, affecting over 80 homes in the area. A statement from Dru Driscoll, the chief of the Daytona Beach Fire Department, claimed that the flames made it within 500 feet of homes within Mosaic. Located on the west side of LPGA Blvd, Mosaic is just a few minutes southwest of I-95. It’s located off of International Tennis Drive, just north of Father Lopez Catholic High School. The fire is believed to have begun Monday morning on private property. No cause has been announced as of Tuesday. It grew to over 160 acres as of Tuesday morning. “The fire, due to recent wind conditions, has moved all throughout the forest,” Driscoll said. “That’s required the evacuation of over 80 homes.” Fortunately, the evacuation didn’t last long. As of 9:00 pm on Monday, the DBFD issued an update to Mosaic residents saying that they could begin to return to their homes. Law enforcement was set up at Tournament Drive near Champion Elementary School to facilitate the orderly and efficient influx of traffic back into the subdivision. Those returning as of Monday evening were being required to display proof of residence in order to access the Mosaic neighborhood. The DBFD has advised that there may eventually be another evacuation order depending on how the Bennet Field fire plays out over the coming days. In addition to the Daytona Beach Fire Department, the Florida Forest Service is on the scene with brush trucks and aerial water drops to help contain the Bennet Field fire. Residents around the flames are advised to expect smoke in the air for the time being.