Palm Bay, Florida – A brush fire engulfed 40 acres of land in Palm Bay, Florida, over the weekend, sparked by an experimental rocket engine test that went awry. The fire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, spread quickly through the abandoned property in the southwest section of the city.
Fire officials responded to the scene, with up to 30 fire units, including assistance from the Florida Division of Forestry. Despite the blaze’s intensity and visibility from across the river in Melbourne Beach, no injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged.
According to Assistant Palm Bay Fire Rescue Fire Chief John Ringleb, the fire was unintentionally ignited by a local rocket club attempting to launch a rocket, leading to an explosion that set off the blaze. The incident occurred during a static motor test conducted by a group of University of Central Florida students, operating independently outside of sanctioned club events.
Space Coast Rocketry group’s vice president, Steve Alban, clarified that the students had sought assistance for their project but proceeded on their own when declined. The group maintains clearances to operate legally and safely, with insurance coverage and additional safety protocols in place.
Following containment efforts by firefighters, the blaze was brought under control, with crews monitoring the site for potential flareups. One student remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent behind the accidental ignition.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the brush fire, authorities stress the importance of following safety protocols and procedures during experimental activities to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Residents and officials in Palm Bay remain vigilant to mitigate potential risks and ensure the community’s safety.