Palm Bay Fire Rescue crews were alerting residents to prepare for sudden evacuation orders on Thursday afternoon, April 30, as firefighters battled a fast-moving brush fire on the edge of the Compound in the city’s southwest section.
The five-acre brush fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Madden Avenue and Olivia Street, just on the northeast end of the Compound.
Several suspicious fires, burning more than 160 acres, have been reported in the Compound since Sunday, April 26. No arrests have been made.
Fire officials were not sure how Thursday’s fire started.
“There are a couple of homes peppered in there,” said Assistant Palm Bay Fire Chief John Ringleb, adding that some residences have been evacuated as a precaution.
Other residents may receive calls to leave the area if the blaze continues to spread.
Firefighters working to contain the blaze could be in the area through the evening.
Check back for updates.
J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Palm Bay brush fire burns near the Compound, prompting evacuations
Reporting by J.D. Gallop, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
