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Handling the Burn! Experts to give the Low Down on Wildfire
By Robert Burns & David F. Byron
Photos by Robert Burns & Dave Franks
EDGEWATER – Eleven months ago, the Iron Horse wildfire roared through Southeast Volusia destroying thousands of acres in its path. Almost exactly two years ago, a brush fire erupted in the center of a highly developed area of Edgewater; hundreds of households were imperiled. Once again in the opening months of 2012, this part of Florida is ripe for destruction.
A handful of mid-level fires are already burning and County leaders are scrambling to ‘keep a lid on it’ this fire season.
This coming Sunday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m., on Public Television, Volusia County’s Interim Operations Fire Chief Jeff Smith will discuss the growing wildfire threat.
While January and February are traditionally ‘low-rain months,’ conditions this year are even drier than normal. Several woodland fires are burning in Volusia County right now. Wild lands fire experts say this bodes ill. The normal wildfire season in Central Florida doesn’t usually begin for a couple of months. Firefighters from a number of multi-tiered agencies are on alert; hoping to jump on any new fire before it gets out of hand.
Last year’s ‘Iron Horse’ Fire was reported just before midday, last Feb 28 – by nightfall 4,000 acres of prime forest and scrub in Brevard and Volusia had burned; by dawn the next day, that number had jumped to 10,000 acres.
“People were definitely nervous down off Aerial Road,” said professional photographer Dave Franks, “my wife and I were in an R.V. down there, so we weren’t too worried, but people in conventional houses… Well, there was plenty to be concerned about.”
This week, Volusia Magazine, the county’s weekly public information television program, will focus on the growing wildfire threat in Volusia County. The in-depth interview guest is Jeff Smith, the interim operations chief for Volusia County Fire Services. The 30-minute program also includes county news of the week, community interest features, and the latest actions of the Volusia County Council.
Volusia Magazine will initially air Sunday at 5 p.m. and then repeat Monday, Jan. 23 at 7:30
p.m. on WDSC-TV15. To watch channel 15, turn your television to UHF channel 15 or consult your cable television listings. All cable television stations in Volusia County carry WDSC TV-15.
Edgewater Aims at Economic Excellence
EDGEWATER – In preparation for Edgewater’s upcoming Business Expo (Mar. 30, 31 & Apr. 1), the City’s Economic Development Board launched an aggressive campaign to explore how the community can ‘make things better.’ Tuesday, Jan. 10, scores of business and civic leaders gathered at City Hall; expressing concerns, as well as hopes, for Edgewater’s continued economic growth.
Edgewater Economic Development Board Chair Robert Lott kicked-off the town hall style meeting; introducing a small army of locally-based economic advisors and outlining their respective missions. He then greeted Volusia County’s Director of Economic Development, Phil Ehlinger. “This is the lowest rate of growth and movement the State of Florida has seen,” said Mr. Ehlinger, “since the boom years following World War II.”
The economic guru cheered Southeast Volusia’s ability to generate a great workforce but then stated the community needs to better address the issue of workforce ‘training.’ He said Edgewater needs to highlight its ability to grow as a regional ‘manufacturing hub.’ He then drew the crowd’s attention to Volusia County’s ‘business friendly’ website – www.floridabusiness.org. Mr. Ehlinger said wise manufacturers from the industrialized north could easily lower their cost of operation 20 to 30% – by relocating to Edgewater.
Edgewater City Manager Tracey Barlow threw-in further incentives, encouraging industry to move to his municipality by touting ‘a potential’ dirt-for-jobs program in Edgewater’s ParkTowne Industrial Park. He then broached the possibility of the City granting a multi-year ‘fee deferment’ incentive program. “We also have exciting things happening with our Rails to Trails program,” said the life-long Southeast Volusian, “as well as phenomenal recreational assets which should act as lures.”
Discussion facilitator Martin Black picked-up the theme and floated from table to table, gently goading attendees into expressing their concerns about ‘doing business in Edgewater.’
Several of the businessmen and women wanted City Leaders to be aware – there are concerns about the city’s ‘sign ordinances’ – and how those rules are being enforced. Swiftly jotting down names and contact numbers, Mr. Barlow assured the community members – their concerns would be addressed post-haste.
Another hot-button issue expressed by the Spokespeople at several tables was – better communication. “Correct,” said the City Manager, “in this era of rapid technology change, we are wrestling with that issue right now.” He said the City of Edgewater will continue to work closely with Volusia County, the Chamber of Commerce and the Southeast Volusia Board of Realtors – to get the good word ‘out.’
“We are also working with you,” said Edgewater native Mark Steighner, founder of www.Yes2LocalNews.com, “to make sure that the Cities of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach have good, accurate news being placed out there.”
“We have so many great things happening in Southeast Volusia,” said Edgewater Police Officer Dan Blazi to the crowd, “whether it is special workshops like these, or fun community events like the Haunted Forest at Halloween, the YMCA – or the upcoming Princess Ball. More people have to know what’s happening here in Southeast Volusia!”
“This is great,” said Edgewater Realtor Marcia Barnett, “to get this many creative and vocal groups together like this – it’s bound to be positive.” Then, with a nod to diverse business leaders all kibitzing after the meeting, she added; “solving things, together – that’s the best way to truly get things done.”