PAISLEY -- A massive brush fire burning Wednesday night in Lake County forced the evacuation of an entire community.
More than 1,000 acres have burned so far in the fire near Jane Lane and Forest Road 539, which is near State Road 42 in Paisley.
Crews said gusty winds helped the flames quickly spread.
Crews had to evacuate about 100 homes in the Deerhaven Community because of fears they could get cut off as the fire spreads.
Those people will stay in a shelter overnight just as a precaution.
Crews said they've contained about 20 percent of the fire, but it's a delicate balance.
"As dry as we are, we're 42, 43 days without any rain the KBDI is about 644. So we're real dry. We're a tinder box right now, and I'm sure you've heard that. You've seen the stuff going on in the news. We've got a big holiday weekend coming up so we're on pins and needles right now," said Mike Drayton from the Division of Forestry.
Right now, crews are letting the fire burn towards the St. Johns River to try and stop it.
No homes are in any immediate danger.
Shelter Opened For Evacuees
A shelter was set up at the First Baptist Church of Paisley for those forced out by the fire.
The church, along with the Red Cross, said it plans on helping out those in need for as long as they need to with items like shelter and food.
Those who rushed to the shelter said all the help is appreciated.
"You have to get out. Everyone must evacuate. So, we got everything we could, got the car and left the scotch at home," said Michael Armaly, an evacuee.
Buses will be brought in Thursday morning to make sure students staying there have a way to get to school.
The Lake County Citizens Information Line is now open to assist anyone with questions. It can be reached at (352) 253-9999.
Smoke From Fire Invades Volusia Co.
Volusia County said the phones have been ringing off the hook at its 911 center because of the fire in Paisley.
The heavy smoke from the Paisley fire was so large, it showed up on Digital Doppler X3.
A portion of the DeLand area in Volusia County was covered with a blanket of smoke.
However, fire crews said no fires are currently burning in the county and residents should only call 911 if they see flames or smoke shooting upward from the ground.
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