Wildfire in Florida, July 1 to 10, 1998

The excessive heat and lack of rain that existed over east central Florida for much of June and July resulted in wild fires beginning in June and spreading over huge areas of Volusia and Brevard counties in late June and early July. Wild fires were also reported in Orange and Seminole counties. Hundreds of firefighters were called in from all over the Nation to help battle the fires. No major population centres were threatened but a huge battle was waged to keep the fires out of the towns of Mims and Scottsmoor. Residents of the area suffered may days of breathing heavy smoke that significantly reduced visibility. At one point Interstate 95 was closed through northern Brevard and Volusia counties. Little could be done except to protect homes and populated areas until rains began to fall after the first week in July. In east central Florida about 300,000 acres of land burned including 62 homes and 7 businesses. About 70 people were injured while fighting or fleeing the fires. There were no fatalities. Total damages were estimated at $300 million.