A Palm Bay Police Department vehicle caught fire yesterday, sparking a brush fire that led to the evacuation of homes near Onyx Drive NE, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred after officers responded to a known homeless encampment situated between Onyx Drive and nearby railroad tracks; the cause of the cruiser's fire has yet to be determined, WFTV reported.
The fire spread to nearby brush and came close to homes, but firefighters were able to stop it in time. No houses were damaged. By Wednesday afternoon, the fire was under control, and evacuations were lifted by 4:15 p.m. A police officer did get minor injuries, according to ClickOrlando.
In total, the fire scorched approximately 100 acres near Onyx Drive and another separate blaze at the southwest corner of Babcock Street and Malabar Road has been reportedly 100% contained, with both brush fires under control according to Palm Bay Fire Rescue and as captured from overhead by Chopper 2; a statement reported by WESH.
