Palm Bay, Florida – A routine rocket engine test-firing inadvertently sparked a 40-acre brush fire at The Compound in Palm Bay, officials revealed. The fire, fueled by windy and dry conditions, prompted a swift response from up to 30 fire units, including the Florida Division of Forestry, to contain the blaze. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or structural damage resulting from the incident.
According to Assistant Palm Bay Fire Rescue Fire Chief John Ringleb, the fire was ignited as a local rocket club attempted to launch a rocket that exploded, setting off the brush fire. Although the Space Coast Rocketry group denied involvement in the incident, Steve Alban, the group’s vice president, explained that a group of University of Central Florida students – operating independently – were conducting a “static motor test” which led to the fire.
It was clarified that the students, who had sought assistance from the Space Coast Rocketry group but were declined, were not part of any sanctioned club events. Despite lacking the necessary clearances and safety measures, the students proceeded with their project independently, causing the accidental blaze. Firefighters managed to contain the fire, extinguishing any potential flareups before leaving the scene.
Moving forward, authorities will continue to monitor the site for any signs of reignition. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and obtaining proper clearances when conducting such tests to prevent similar accidents in the future. As the community reflects on this event, efforts to promote responsible rocketry practices and mitigate potential risks will be paramount to preventing future incidents.