MELBOURNE (FBC)—Firefighters believe they have gotten an upper hand on the wildfires scorching Brevard County this week, leading the County’s Emergency Operations Center to authorize the closing of the shelter located at Central Baptist Church in Melbourne, reported Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ disaster relief director.

The church was designated as a shelter May 13 and fed 10-15 persons overnight. The church will remain on standby should the fires flare up again and will serve as a distribution center for donated food and supplies.

The decision to allow the church to serve the community in time of this disaster was a simple one, said Central Baptist Pastor Leroy Williams.

“We have to stand behind what we teach and put feet to our faith. Disaster relief is something we support,” said Williams. “It is a humbling opportunity to help those in need and makes you see what is truly important.”

Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency in response to the fires Monday, May 12. According to the governor’s office, as of that time, 16,894 acres were burned from 82 wildfires.

Wilson coordinated the Convention’s response with Duke King, regional clean-up coordinator, who is on-site managing relief efforts and response.

Broward Baptist Association had activated its disaster relief feeding volunteers and a shower unit which will provide meals to persons and families in the shelter.

Volunteers from the American Red Cross and AmeriCorps were stationed at Central Baptist and working with Florida Baptists relief efforts. here is no anticipation of activating other units or volunteers outside the Brevard Baptist Association at this point. Wilson will continue to monitor the situation and dispatch relief teams as necessary.