Published Monday, May 27, 2024

Photo Credit: Sam Ashbaugh/FWS (taken on Sunday, May 26, 2024)

Lightning struck around 1600 hours just after storms passed on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in the Peacocks Pocket impoundment in the Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge, setting ablaze a large area of land on fire.

Photo Credit: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This is being used as a natural cover fire and Officials are monitoring it from the air as of today’s fire operations period.

Earlier in the incident, the Mims Volunteer Fire Department was well aware of the large wildfire burning on the refuge and stated on Sunday, that crews from the USFWS were monitoring the fire as it is difficult to access with equipment.

There were said to be no threats or hazards to any structures or infrastructure.

It is currently burning within the boundary of the impoundment and has been estimated to be around 2,500 acres. They are expecting it to burn itself out.

The wildfire could be seen across the water and for several miles as thick grey smoke rose up into the atmosphere with some spectators posting images on Social Media standing on top of the Max K. Brewer Bridge.

This area has been prone to other wildfires in years past.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog