Fire Breaks Out Near the KSC

Officials with the American space agency say that a series of brush fires erupted around the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) yesterday, April 27. They are also quick to add that the space shuttle Endeavor is not endangered by the flames in any way.

The orbiter is scheduled to launch on its final mission – designated STS-135 – tomorrow, April 29. This will be the last time ever that Endeavor flies to the International Space Station (ISS). Upon its return, in about two weeks, it will finally be retired from active duty and put in a museum.

However, at this point, the spacecraft is still attached to the Launch pad 39A facility at the KSC. But authorities managing the emergency say that there are little to no chances of the flames reaching the launch pad or the shuttle.

Though fairly large, the brush fire is at this point being contained by firefighters and helicopters, and it is expected to go out any moment now. There was some panic however when it first broke out, those on the scene report.

The fires erupted about 1 mile away from the NASA Tweeters Press Site, where journalists had set up shop to document the launch of Endeavor. The flames licked the ground less than 3 miles from the orbiter as well, NASA spokespersons added.

It is currently estimated that the flames covered more than 100 acres of land around the KSC. Authorities are currently considering the hypothesis that the fires were caused by the long dry spell that affect this region in Florida for the past few weeks.

KSC spokesman Allard Beutel told Universe Today that “the shuttle launch pad was never in any danger due to the Turn basin in between and it hasn’t impacted any launch operations.”

In other words, the final preparations to launch Endeavor are going as planned. Right now, the fires are mostly under control and put out, but firefighters are surveying the area continuously. These wildfires can always reignite at a moment's notice, and NASA want to be sure Endeavor launches safely.

The shuttle Discovery has already been retired from active duty, after flying its last mission, STS-133, earlier this year. Atlantis will be the last orbiter ever to visit the ISS. Its final launch is currently scheduled to take place on June 28.