Rookery

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Rookery Fire ignited on Sunday, June 14, 2026, and was reported around 7:34 a.m. It is located in the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 7 miles west-northwest of DeLand in Volusia County, Florida.
Size and Containment: Based on official incident reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 4,700 acres. Containment is currently estimated between 60% and 90%, with crews continuing to secure the perimeter.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily on federal land, fueled by tall grasses (up to 2.5 feet), dry vegetation, and brush within a natural wetland ecosystem. Initially exhibiting moderate fire behavior, it grew steadily over the past few weeks due to drought-like conditions before recent weather helped stall its spread.
Containment Efforts: The response is a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Forest Service, and Volusia County Fire Rescue. Firefighters are actively monitoring the perimeter and reinforcing containment lines where accessible.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Rookery Fire. The fire is burning entirely within the wildlife refuge and no residential structures are in immediate danger.
Evacuation Warnings: No evacuation warnings have been issued.
Curfew: There are no curfew orders in effect for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no evacuations, no shelters have been opened, and an estimated 0 people are displaced.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no major road closures directly attributed to the Rookery Fire.
• Authorities request that residents and visitors avoid the immediate area around the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge to allow fire personnel safe access and room to work.
• Officials have urged residents not to call 911 regarding smoke unless they see active flames or an immediate threat to life or property, in order to keep emergency lines clear.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service
• Volusia County Emergency Management
• Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Rookery Fire.
Structures Impacted: No homes, commercial structures, or key infrastructure are currently threatened or have been damaged by the fire.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures directly related to this incident.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning through a natural wetland and brush ecosystem, temporarily impacting local wildlife habitats within the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this fire.
Air Quality: Smoke and ash have been highly visible in surrounding communities, including DeLand. Residents have reported waking up to ash accumulation on their vehicles. Those with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors when smoke is heavy.
Burn Bans: Volusia County has previously issued burn bans due to the dry conditions; residents should check local county guidelines before any outdoor burning.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire crews continue to monitor the blaze. Recent and forecasted rainfall moving through the Volusia County area is raising hopes that wetter conditions will help halt any further growth and assist crews in reaching full containment.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather forecast for Volusia County over the next few days includes scattered to heavy thunderstorms with high humidity (70-90%) and temperatures in the low to mid-90s. While the rain is beneficial for containment, officials remain cautious as lightning from these storms poses a risk for new ignitions.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Rookery Fire was ignited by a lightning strike from passing thunderstorms over the weekend of June 14.
Weather and Climate: The fire's ignition and initial spread were heavily facilitated by drought-like conditions and dry air across Central Florida that persisted through mid-June. The combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and lightning storms created the ideal environment for the wildfire to take hold and grow to its current size.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Current Wildfires Dashboard
• Volusia County Emergency Management
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Lake Woodruff