VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Crews are urgently working to contain a fast-growing 300-plus-acre brush fire in Volusia County on Friday.

The blaze is burning near State Routes 44 and 415, west of New Smyrna Beach, near Samsula.

FOX 35 News will provide live updates as new information becomes available. Watch live in the video player at the top of this page.

The backstory:

A brush fire in Samsula near State Routes 44 and 415 began on Thursday, March 20, and has since burned more than 300 acres.

Fire crews from Volusia County, Flagler County, New Smyrna Beach, and Florida Forestry Services are working to contain the flames. No homes have burned, and no evacuations have been ordered, but some residents are preparing to leave if conditions worsen. Helicopters are scooping water from local ponds to fight the fire.

The thick smoke in the area has prompted a travel advisory near Cucumber Lane and Honeydew Lane.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not determined the cause of the fire. It's unclear how long it will take to fully contain the flames, as shifting winds could impact efforts. There is also no official word on whether the fire is spreading closer to residential areas or if evacuations may be necessary in the near future.

Dig deeper:

Florida is no stranger to brush fires, especially during dry seasons when wind can cause flames to spread unpredictably. While no homes have burned, residents remain on edge as fire crews work to keep the blaze away from structures.