Forestry Service: Friday's storms could spark another brush fire in Brevard County

Parts of a horse stable fire continued to smoke and burn Thursday after a massive brush fire scorched more than 300 acres near Port St. John, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.

"It was burning quick and fast," said Suzanna Norris, who runs Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds. "The helicopter was dumping water. They were here quickly and managed to keep it at bay."

The brush fire that started Wednesday has been 90 percent contained, the Brevard County Emergency Management Office said.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Story: Cold front arrives Friday, chance for severe storms

The fire shut down State Road 407 until 8:30 a.m. Thursday when troopers reopened the road. However, firefighters warn that smoke remains in the area.

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The fire came within feet of homes, livestock and horses.

"We saw a little bit of smoke, and before I knew, it was full-blown," homeowner Sharon Jacobs said. "I wasn't not for minute worried about my house or property because the firefighters came so quick and they were really on top of things."

But the Florida Forestry Service said residents are not out of the woods just yet because Friday’s storms could spark another fire.

Florida Forestry Service said when lightning strikes a tree, the fire burns from the inside out, waiting for the right conditions to spread to the rest of the vegetation in the area. That means a lightning strike on a tree could spark a fire days later.

"Even now with that I know that, they are going to be on top of it," Jacobs said.

Brevard County - Horse Stable Fire is still @ 300 acres and 90% contained. Updates to follow. #FLFire
— FFS Orlando (@FFS_Orlando) April 18, 2019

UPDATE SR 407: Troopers are in the process of reopening the roadway. Headlights on drivers, as there is still lingering smoke in the area.
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) April 18, 2019

UPDATE: SR-407 will remain closed between SR-528 and I-95 throughout the night, due to visibility issues. Troopers will also monitor SR-50 and I-95 for any issues with visibility. Use caution in the area. pic.twitter.com/UBOPX5RdoT
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) April 18, 2019

Cell phone video shows baby pig running near the fire in Brevard County today. I hope the little guy is safe! Video is courtesy of Willie Simon. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/IYSpAZf9eo
— Samantha Manning (@SamManningNews) April 17, 2019

Road closure Brevard County: SR 407 is closed in both directions between SR 528 and I-95, due to a fire and low visibility. Use 511 for updates on closure. pic.twitter.com/Hgqoz62lwg
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) April 17, 2019

Big brush fires near the St. Johns River are spreading lots of smoke westward toward the I-4 corridor. Our live #Doppler9 shows the smoke very well wafting over Seminole and Orange counties. Live updates on this on @WFTV. pic.twitter.com/49uNQ9yi6g
— tom terry (@TTerryWFTV) April 17, 2019

4/17/19 | 3:58RT @FFS_Orlando: Brevard County - Update #3, size is 200 acres @ this time. Updates to follow. #FLFire #PortStJohn
— Brevard EOC (@BrevardEOC) April 17, 2019

Scene of the brush fire in West Port Saint John. #BCFR #BrevardsBravest #PortSaintJohn #Wildland pic.twitter.com/44rcmZr1cN
— BCFRpio (@BCFRpio) April 17, 2019

**BRUSH FIRE** area of Golfview/ Flora Vista. Port Saint John. Multi-Acre fire. Second alarm brush response requested by command. #BrushFire #PortSaintJohn #BCFR #BrevardsBravest
— BCFRpio (@BCFRpio) April 17, 2019